Sweetwater Service | Arab American Heritage | Scholarship Program | Pathway to Unparalleled
Week of April 4, 2022
New COVID-19 Guidelines For Houston Methodist Effective April 4
As a result of declining community spread of COVID-19, Houston Methodist is loosening its restrictions on visitors, patient testing and masking starting April 4. This is wonderful news as we have endured two years of the pandemic so far. But please know that this easing of restrictions will change again if we see an uptick of COVID-19 cases in our community. Below are a few changes, but the entire update can be read here.
EMPLOYEE MASKING REQUIREMENT
- Staff in clinical areas such as patient rooms, exam rooms, procedure rooms and diagnostic testing rooms, must continue to wear appropriate masks during patient care activities.
- Staff closely interacting with patients for prolonged periods outside of clinical areas stated above.
- Staff and patients in waiting rooms of doctors' offices or procedure areas.
- Staff or volunteers transporting or escorting patients.
- Staff working and patients being tested at COVID-19 collection sites.
- Staff with vaccination exemptions should wear PPE as outlined in the PPE guide.
VISITOR POLICY AND SCREENING STATIONS
Houston Methodist is lifting all COVID-19 visitor restrictions. There may be restrictions still in place in specific areas of our hospitals where visitors were always limited, for example the ICUs and emergency departments. Houston Methodist screening stations are also being eliminated but we will encourage visitors to wear masks.
COVID-19 Cases in the Hospital
Last week, from March 28 to April 3, Houston Methodist Sugar Land saw 41 COVID-19 patients and none were in the ICU.
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Sweetwater Chapel ServiceThis is a reminder that a decommissioning service will be held today, April 4, at 1:00 p.m., for the Sweetwater Chapel. The service will conclude with a ceremonial walk to the Brazos Chapel to move the large Bible to its new place. For those who cannot attend, the service will also be streamed on Chris’ Corner via Facebook Live. |
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Convenience Perks SurveyHouston Methodist Sugar Land is committed to being a workplace of choice by creating a culture that encourages a healthy work-life balance. The Convenience Perks Team wants feedback from all HMSL employees to better provide solutions to help with the time-consuming tasks and chores in everyday life. That survey can be found here. |
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Arab American Heritage Month
During the month of April, National Arab American Heritage Month recognizes the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans throughout our society, including in the arts, literature, government, cuisine, music and dance. The Arab American Foundation launched the heritage month initiative in 2017 and the U.S. congress issued a proclamation to formally establish the observation. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a proclamation in 2020 to establish the observation statewide.
Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
The College Scholarship for Employees’ Children Program is now accepting applications. A total of 100 scholarships of $1,000 are provided each year to eligible employees’ children. Details on the program can be found on PolicyTech.
Register Now: Pathway to Unparalleled
All Houston Methodist employees, including leaders, are expected to attend Pathway to Unparalleled (PTU) this year. Log onto LMS SuccessFactors and look for course PP232 Reimagining Our Pathway to Unparalleled to register.
More information and details to register can be found in the latest HR Hub.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
From a Main 4 West patient: "Everything at Sugar Land was top notch, especially the cath lab, CT, and the night nurse staff my first night. They were perfect! Thanks to them."
From a Brazos 5 patient: "I would like to recognize and thank Sheena, Liz, Hope and Chia for being so kind and efficient. The transportation team was very courteous."
From a Childbirth Center patient: "My hospital stay was for the delivery of my child was uncomplicated. All nurses and doctors were very trustworthy, helpful and pleasant to interact with."
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday April 6: DEI Night Shift Focus Group. The office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion wants to hear from all employees, including those who work the night shift. It will happen at 7:30 a.m. and you can register here.
Wednesday, April 6: Continuing Education Talk Series: Finding Our Way Out of Trauma to the Treasure of Meaning. More information and
registration can be found here.
Friday, April 8: Deadline to turn in March of Dimes Gift Baskets to Michelle Smith.
Wednesday April 13: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Blood Drive. Register here.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Things To Do:
Tuesday, April 5: Bon Iver, White Oak Music Hall
Thursday, April 7: Chris Tomlin & Hillsong United, Toyota Center
Friday, April 8: Eric Church, Toyota Center
Saturday, April 9: Houston Dynamo vs San Jose Quakes, PNC Stadium
Sunday, April 10: Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks, Toyota Center
Things For Laughs:
Monday, April 4: National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day
Tuesday, April 5: National Deep Dish Pizza Day
Wednesday, April 6 National Walking Day
Friday, April 8: National Zoo Lovers Day
Sunday, April 10: National Siblings Day
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Don’t give up! Even Moses was a basket case once.
-Unknown