HMSL News to Know - Week of October 30, 2023

Week of October 30, 2023

Our final town hall meetings of the year wrap up today and tomorrow and I really hope you register to attend. Not only will you hear campus updates and important announcements, but you get the chance to hear from all of our senior leaders about what is important to our hospital. And yes, there are fun prizes involved! Click here for information on how to sign up. The remaining town hall meetings are:

Monday, Oct. 30: Noon-1 p.m. Virtual
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Noon-1 p.m. Brazos Conference Center

I also wanted to take the time to thank all of you who participated in two big system-wide campaigns, our Employee Opinion Survey (EOS) and Pathway to Unparalleled (PTU). 88% of you completed our EOS survey. Your participation in both not only helps us become a better hospital, but we as a group become better for our patients.

By the way, eligible employees should have received a card at home from Dr. Marc Boom announcing a $500 gratitude bonus coming in November. More information to come this week!

MOB 4 Now Open

The doors to MOB 4 are officially open! Dr. Svetang Desai, Dr. Anam Omer and their staff are now seeing patients in our brand new building. Their teams moved over earlier this month. Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates at Sugar Land is located in MOB 4, Suite 110.

HMSL Employee Fair

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the HMSL Employee Fair. We loved seeing you all hang out with your coworkers! An estimated 640 people stopped by and learned about mammograms and self-exams from our Breast Care Center and CAUTI and CLABSI infection prevention from Clinical Education. Employees were given resources from our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness team. They also got to learn about 5S and Performance Excellence. Houston Texans mascot Toro had a lot of fun too! Mark your calendars: the Spring HMSL employee fair is Friday, April 19, 2024.

System Critical Care Committee Grant

Congratulations to Elizabeth "Betty" Gonzales, Dr. Kabir Rezvankhoo, and Danielle Hardin in securing a grant from the System Critical Care Committee. Their grant proposal tackled a pivotal challenge: certifying Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the art of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS). This endeavor stands as a beacon, equipping our Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) with the expertise to wield POCUS in critical care, accelerating diagnoses, interventions, and, most importantly, enhancing patient outcomes—a testament to Houston Methodist's unwavering commitment to exceptional healthcare.

Patient Satisfaction Bonus

Congratulations! All eligible employees will receive a patient satisfaction bonus Tuesday, Oct. 31. The payout amount varies by entity. See your bonus amount. Learn more about the eligibility requirements here.

Halloween Attire Guidelines

Dressing up for Halloween is fun, but before you get dressed for work, make sure your costume meets our requirements. Click here for a complete list of guidelines.

2023 Fall International Fashion Show

Today is your last chance to register for the HMSL Fall International Fashion Show. You are encouraged to wear cultural attire, representing your city or country, whether it reflects current fashion styles or past traditions. Click here to sign up. The deadline to register is Oct. 30.

Virtual Career Event

Looking to build your career at Houston Methodist? Our expert recruiters are sharing the inside scoop on standing out as an internal candidate, how to polish your resume and interviewing skills. This career event will be online via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Click here to register.

2023 United Way Campaign

As you might have read in Dr. Boom’s email last week, the annual United Way campaign kicks off this Wednesday, Nov. 1. Our goal here at HMSL is to raise $20,000 and we need your help to do it. Join us on United Way Wednesdays for fun activities. On Nov. 1, join CEO Chris Siebenaler and the Grinch at 10 a.m. in front of the main Starbucks. 'Chip in' and grab a cookie with the Grinch and his dog, Max, as they pose for photos with HMSL employees.

It’s easy to donate and help create meaningful opportunities for our community. This year, there are several ways you can give:

Set up a payroll deduction through MARS. Under Voluntary Deductions, select United Way and fill in your desired deduction amount and frequency.
Give a one-time gift with a credit card on the United Way website.
Text HMGIVES to 51555 to make a one-time donation.
Bid on items in the Houston Methodist silent auction, available Nov. 1 – 15.

Save the Date: ERG Symposium

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is excited to present the second annual Houston Methodist Employee Resource Group (ERG) Symposium from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Houston Methodist Research Institute’s Bookout Auditorium at HMH. Registration is required for the symposium. Register here or email theofficeofdei@houstonmethodist.org for more information. All employees are invited to visit the ERG Fair from noon to 1 p.m. outside the Bookout Auditorium (second floor of Research Institute) to learn more about HM’s 10 different Employee Resource Groups.

Early Voting Runs Through Nov. 4

Early voting for the Nov. 7 election runs through Nov. 4. Houston Methodist supports the rights of all employees to vote. Houston voters will be choosing a mayor and several councilmembers, and there are several statewide propositions on the ballot. Check out this Resource Guide for more information.

Neuro Seminar

It's time to get your brain health questions answered. HMSL is hosting a Neuroscience Seminar Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. Our panel of experts will participate in a Q&A session as they discuss neurological disorders like migraines, epilepsy, ALS, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and more. Click here to register.

Flu Shot Reminder

All employees must receive a flu vaccine by Thursday, Nov. 2, to be considered compliant with our Houston Methodist flu policy. Getting vaccinated for the flu is one of the ways we protect our patients, their families and one another.

Rainbow Room Holiday Toy Drive

Want to sponsor holiday wish lists for children here in Fort Bend County? HMSL is partnering with Rainbow Room to do just that. Sign up to adopt a list individually or by department/unit by filling out this form. The deadline to sign up is Friday, Nov. 3.

Prepare for Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m., we adjust our clocks back one hour due to the end of Daylight Saving Time. If you are working during this change, there are some things you need to know about Epic and LaborWorkx. To maintain continuity of care, click here to review your department's instructions.

DIY Series: Cookie Decorating Class

Our next class in our DIY series is cookie decorating! On Thursday, Nov. 9, expert instructors will show you how to decorate cookies, just in time for the holidays. The class runs from 5:15 - 6:45 p.m. and is $20. Click here for more information.

HMSL Blood Drive

Donate blood, save a life and cheer on our Houston Texans! The next HMSL blood drive will be Friday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Main AD. Eligible donors will receive a Texans shirt (while supplies last). Click here to schedule an appointment.

October is National Physical Therapy Month! Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts who team with Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) to treat people of all ages and abilities. Our PTs and PTAs are licensed healthcare providers who help our patients maximize their mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, minimize the need for surgery and prescription drugs, and improve overall physical function and fitness. HMSL has more than 61 PTs and 14 PTAs, many of whom hold doctoral degrees and advanced certifications. We are also home to two APTA certified physical therapy residency programs. At HMSL, our PTs and PTAs provide both in-hospital and outpatient services to our community. In fact, we are proud to serve our patients at our four outpatient locations: HMOSM, Neuroscience & Spine Center, Sienna PT and Aliana PT. Please help us celebrate our Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants who keep our patients moving. Click here to read about all those who are celebrating.

PATIENT COMPLIMENTS

Main 5 West Patient: "Thank you everyone at HMSL for excellent health cares services. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I remember one of the nurses - her name is Charlyn Baker. God bless you all."

Main 5 East Patient: "The hospital and everyone working there were professional and caring. They have a great staff filled with talented people. I highly recommend Houston Methodist Sugar Land."

Main ED Patient: "Clinton Wayne Ray, PA, has the best bedside manor I have ever experienced! This was by far the best experience I've ever had in an emergency center!"

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday, Oct. 30: Town Hall meeting. More information.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Town Hall meeting. More information.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Patient satisfaction bonus payout

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Virtual career event on applying for jobs internally. More information.

Thursday, Nov. 2: Deadline to comply with flu policy. More information.

Thursday, Nov. 2: Neuroscience Seminar. More information.

Saturday, Nov. 4: HMSL Day at Pumpkin Round Up. More information.

Sunday, Nov. 5: Daylight saving time ends.

Tuesday, Nov. 7: Election Day

Thursday, Nov. 9: Open Enrollment begins

Thursday, Nov. 9: DIY Class - Cookie Decorating. More information.