Week of November 25, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each of you. Every day, I am reminded of the incredible expertise, dedication and compassion you bring to our hospital and to the patients and families we serve.
I know this year has been filled with a lot of change on this campus, and through it all, you’ve continued to demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Since the first week I walked these halls in February, the list of accomplishments you all have achieved is nothing short of incredible. Whether you are on the front lines of patient care or supporting vital operations, you make a difference.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings, and for me, that includes being surrounded by a team who inspires me daily. It also includes my family and friends. I hope you all take time this week to pause and enjoy moments with loved ones – and create memories. As you capture these memories, please share them on the CEO Corner Facebook page so we may all smile. If you also enjoy any amazing treats this holiday, please be sure to share the recipes with me (you all know my sweet tooth).
For those of you working during the holidays, thank you for your sacrifice. I appreciate your spirit of service and am deeply grateful for your dedication.
Whether you are spending Thanksgiving with loved ones, friends or colleagues, I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Excellence in Nursing Awards
Pictured L-R: COO Eliud Faz, CNO Janet Leatherwood, Katherine Sudarma, Ebone Shelbia Jones, Diane Blair, ACNO Sally Shen and CEO Michael Garcia
Congratulations to the winners of the third annual Crowning Achievement Awards for Excellence in Nursing. 28 HMSL nurses were nominated for their commitment to the world of nursing. They were celebrated last week where the winners were announced: First place Ebone Shelbia-Jones, second place Diane Blair and third place Katherine Sudarma. Thank you for representing our hospital with such excellence and for setting a high standard of care and professionalism in the nursing profession.
Congratulations to all of the 2024 nominees: Ebone Shelbia-Jones, Diane Blair, Katherine Sudarma, Hailey Stanford, Elaina Murray, Chauntelle Long, Rebecca “Becca” Moore, Jeffin Mathew, Tracey Moore, Sarah Angelo, Samantha Singh, Sherry-Ann Reid, Minna James, Usha Kizhakkedan, Chung-Win (Joy) Yuan Fey, SunYoung Park, Stacy Sanchez, Minimol Sabu, Lincy Chummar, Justine Perez Nativida, Jubie Daniel, Janet Sunday, Georgina Acheampong, Susana Rangel, Basma Belgotte, Aubrey Bernardo- Balunsat, Arsenia (Geri) Braza and Ancy John. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Scholarship Winners
HMSL hosted an event last week to recognize 10 employees who were selected as scholarship recipients to further their education and advance their careers in health care - serving in both nursing and non-nursing roles. All of the winners have shown passion for learning and their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. Congratulations to all 10 winners and thank you to all who applied.
Non-Nursing Scholarship Winners
- Thanh Tran
- Mark Tejada
- Lydia Hurta
- Carrie Siemers
- Quewana Blake
Nursing Scholarship Winners
- Kristian Jazmon Calhoun
- Stephanie Atkinson
- Crystal Longoria
- Armando Juarez
- Jonathan Adams
2024 Jingle Tree
The Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land just celebrated the 11th annual Jingle Tree event, and HMSL is proud to once again be the presenting sponsor. CMO/CQO Dr. Jeffrey Wood welcomed guests to the holiday event where guests bid on festive trees - with all the proceeds benefitting science education.
2024 HMSL Holiday Party - Join the Waitlist
There's an important update about the annual HMSL Holiday Celebration. Unfortunately, the RSVP list is full and all 1,000 slots have been filled. There is now a waiting list. If you would like to be added, click here to email Caryn Goode. You will be contacted by e-mail one way or the other, closer to the event if a spot opens up. This year the festivities will take place at Safari Texas Ranch on Saturday, December 14 from 7 p.m. - midnight.
Blanket Drive
This is the final week of the blanket drive. The Women's Empowerment Alliance ERG is collecting new and gently used blankets through November 29. All donations will go to Hope Impacts to support the local homeless community. There are three collection boxes around the hospital: the security desk at the front entrance of Bhalla Main Pavilion, the security desk in MOB 3 and the security desk in MOB 4. Click here for more information.
Find What You Need on The HUB - New Intranet Launching Dec. 4
The HUB launches on Wednesday, December 4 and will offer robust search capabilities, with the ability to enter a keyword or phrase to find what you need. Whether looking for a specific page or document, The HUB’s intuitive search feature will enable you to locate the information you need quickly and efficiently. To read more about The HUB’s search feature and other key components, click here.
The homepage will feature special sections customized based on each employee's location and role. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital employees will find a dedicated section offering a preview of upcoming HMSL events, easy access to the CEO newsletter and hospital homepage, and the latest department updates. An additional section for the nursing staff will provide easy access to the latest HMSL nursing events and updates, ensuring you have the latest information to do your job.
Taking Care of You Newsletter Moving to The HUB
Our Thursday newsletter, Taking Care of You, originated during the early days of the pandemic. Houston Methodist wanted to provide employees with resources to help deal with the additional stress caused by the extraordinary working conditions and new job requirements. Now that we are launching our new digital workplace, The HUB, we will continue to provide you with resources to take good care of yourselves, including the weekly prayers and information about wellness classes, on The HUB beginning December 4. There will not be an issue of Taking Care of You this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Open Enrollment Underway
Open enrollment for benefits and PTO sell at 100% runs through December 6. Check your mailbox at home for a hard copy of the Quick Start Guide, or you can read the guide online. This is your once-a-year opportunity to enroll in benefits or make changes. If you don’t think you need to make any changes to your benefits, I still encourage you to review the guide to ensure you have chosen the best options for you and your family. If you have questions about our benefits, contact HR at:
- Ask HR Hub chatbot (available 24/7)
- Live chats in MARS or via text at 832.667.6211
- Email hrhub@houstonmethodist.org
- Call 832.667.6211
Professional Development Fair
The Professional Development Council, the Department of Clinical Education, HR and Clinical Staff are hosting a Professional Development Fair. The event on Tuesday, December 3 will include nursing and ancillary program information from various universities. It runs from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Brazos ABCD. Click here for more information.
Holiday Decorations Safety Guidelines
It's that time of the year again! We know many departments will be putting up holiday decorations for the holidays. To maintain a safe environment for our patients and our staff, we ask that you please follow safety guidelines. Some of those guidelines include: all Christmas trees must be artificial and flame resistant. Do not install any decorations within 18 inches of the ceiling. For the full list of safety guidelines, click here.
How to Access IT Support
If you need IT Support, please visit our IT Support website (itsupport.houstonmethodist.org). This website is your main source for IT assistance. Not only can you submit and track your issues and requests, but you can also find answers on your own and submit ideas for new technologies or for adding features to existing ones. As a reminder, we no longer accept email submissions, except for providers.
For urgent issues impacting patient care or problems accessing our systems, call the IT Service Desk at 832.667.5600.
Quality Time Newsletter with Dr. Shlomit Schaal
Check out the November issue of Quality Time newsletter with Dr. Shlomit Schaal by clicking here.
IMPORTANT DATES
Now - Friday, November 29: Blanket Drive. More information.
Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving holiday
Friday, November 29: Day after Thanksgiving holiday
Tuesday, December 3: Professional Development Fair. More information.
Wednesday, December 4: Launch of The Hub. More information.
Friday, December 6: Open Enrollment ends
Saturday, December 7: Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 14: Last day to use 2024 DEI personal day hours
Saturday, December 14: HMSL Holiday Party. More information.
Monday, December 15: First day to use 2025 DEI personal day hours
Wednesday, December 25: Christmas holiday
Wednesday, January 1: New Year's Day holiday.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Sunday, December 1: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Tuesday, November 26: @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Wednesday, November 27: @ Philadelphia 76ers
Sunday, December 1: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Wednesday, November 27 & Friday, November 29 - Saturday, November 30: Usher, Toyota Center
Saturday, November 30: The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”
- Voltaire
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
If you are an HMSL employee, you can join the employee-only Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate promotions, graduations, hospital events and more! Click here to join the fun.