Message from Chris | COVID-19 | Award Nominations | First Pitch | Graduate Nurses | Scavenger Hunt Winners | New at HMSL | Summer Fun
Week of June 13, 2022
Chris Siebenaler,
Regional Senior Vice President, Chief Executive Officer
A Message From Chris
I hope that you are enjoying the start to your summer. Unfortunately, we usher in summer with our eyes on COVID-19 again.
Houston Methodist is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases across the system. This is the same trend in Houston, where recent tests of wastewater are now higher than they were in July 2020. Fortunately, though, hospitalizations remain low. We ask that you continue to follow the recent changes in mask guidelines and keep on top of your hand hygiene to help stop the spread.
Because we are seeing consistent increases, we will once again be reporting COVID-19 numbers in the weekly e-newsletter, to keep you informed.
This is not a time to panic, but a time to stay on alert. I am sure everyone is feeling the effects of “pandemic fatigue.” I want to reiterate that we are so proud of and thankful for the work being done at HMSL to keep Fort Bend County and surrounding counties safe and healthy.
Please reach out to your respective leadership with any questions or concerns.
From June 6 to June 12, there were 141 cases of COVID-19 reported at HMSL. 20 of them were in the ICU.
Shining Star and PALS Awards
The Professional Development Council is accepting nominations for the Shining Stars Award and PALS Award. These recognize the extraordinary work displayed by staff in various roles across the hospital. Read more about the awards and nominate a colleague by clicking here.
HMSL Trainer Throws Out Space Cowboys' First Pitch
Shelby Jacobs, an HMSL Athletic Trainer who works at Boling High School, threw out the first pitch at a Sugar Land Space Cowboys game. She was honored for her life-saving measures after a student collapsed during his athletic period back in March. Congratulations on this fun honor, Shelby!
Fall 2022 Graduate Nurse Cohort Applications
The application for the fall cohort of graduate nurses closes this Wednesday, June 15. This is open to nurses who graduate soon or have less than six years professional experience. Click this link to share with those you think would be a good addition to the HMSL team.
Newsletter Scavenger Hunt Winners
Congratulations to the following people who were weekly winners for the Newsletter Scavenger Hunt! They will receive a special HMSL drink tumbler as their prize.
Simoona Dholasania
Sarah Batres
Michael Fine
Gabriela Perez
And congratulations to our grand prize winner, Nisha Augustine, who won the tumbler and a fun swag bag.
New Clinical Educators
The Clinical Education Department is welcoming two educators. Click here to read more about where they are working in the hospital and learn more about them.
Welcome Administrative Interns!
Summer administrative interns have arrived at HMSL! Click here to get to know them and please give them a warm welcome as you see them around the hospital.
Juneteenth Celebration
The Black Ties For Culture ERG is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 17 from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were freed, two and a half years after The Emancipation Proclamation. It is a celebration to reflect upon our past and make hopeful projections of a better world for future generations.
Summer Fun With YouDecide
If you are planning summer activities with your family and friends, make sure to see what discounts and perks you are eligible for through YouDecide just for being a Houston Methodist employee. Topgolf coupons and discounted Astros and Space Cowboys tickets are available, to name a few. Click here to log on to YouDecide.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
From an Aliana Patient: "Everyone is extremely professional and welcoming. From the moment you walk in to when you walk out. The facility is extremely clean and my therapist is very knowledgeable and caring."
From a Main 6 West Patient: "I had exceptional care from Kayla P. She went out of her way to make sure I understood my concerns. She also worked with me to help me through my anxiety.
From a Brazos 4 Patient: "I would like to acknowledge all the staff on the COVID-19 ward and their great care and service. Thank you for all you do. I know it's a risk, but it was very much appreciated."
From a Main ED Patient: "I love Methodist. Even staff members in the hall are more than willing to help you."
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, June 14: Vocera Badge downtime begins at 9 p.m. until Wednesday, June 15 at 9 a.m.
Individual badge downtime will last about two minutes. Learn more here.
Friday, June 17: Juneteenth Celebration with Black Ties ERG. Noon - 1 p.m. Register here.
Wednesday, June 22: PTSD Awareness Month Panel. Hosted by Veterans Alliance ERG. Join here.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, June 13 – Wednesday, June 15, @ Texas Rangers
Friday, June 17 - Sunday, June 19, vs Chicago White Sox
Tuesday, June 14 – Sunday, June 19, @ Round Rock Express
Saturday, June 18: Nick Cannon Presents MTV Wild N’ Out Live
Saturday, June 18: David Lee Murphy, Miller Outdoor Theatre
JOKE OF THE WEEK
When do you go at red and stop at green? While eating a watermelon.