Week of July 31, 2023
Town Hall Highlight: Huddle Boards
By now, we hope you are familiar with the Daily Huddle Boards in your unit or department. The huddle boards track critical metrics every day, which offers our team insights into what’s working and what can be improved. The daily huddles offer an opportunity to stay connected around departmental priorities, share ideas, and problem-solve as a team, which fosters engagement and alignment. The daily huddle process is one of the many ways we invite our people to be a part of Everybody, Every Day on our campus. If you missed the HMSL Town Hall Meetings in June, watch this short clip below where Chief Medical & Quality Officer Dr. S. Nicholas Desai shares his initial thoughts about huddle boards and the impact they’ve had at our hospital.
COVID-19 UPDATE
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still very low compared to numbers seen during the pandemic. But according to the CDC, weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations recently have risen by more than 10% across the country. The number of inpatients with COVID-19 in the system is slightly up. This is not a cause for panic, but do recommend you wear a mask at work, even though it's not mandated for most employees. Read the full update from HM Executive Vice President Roberta Schwartz here.
License and Certification Renewal Reminders to Come by Text Message
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1, if you have an expiring license or certification that is required on your job description, you’ll receive a text message reminder. Keeping your licenses and certifications current is required for many positions, and these text reminders are being sent as a courtesy to help you to remember when action is required. Please make sure your mobile number is updated in MARS to ensure you receive these important reminders.
Neuroscience & Spinal Disorders Symposium
HMSL is hosting a Neuroscience and Spinal Disorders Symposium on August 25 and 26 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Neurological and spinal disorders affect more than 100 million Americans. CME credit, plus credit for nurses, PT, OT, and EEG techs will be offered. Please consider attending and bringing a friend! You can read more about the symposium by clicking here.
HMSL Sponsorship Survey
At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, serving our community is as important to us as serving our patients and guests. HMSL has strong relationships with a variety of organizations in the Fort Bend community. But we know there are many more causes that are not just important – but close to the hearts of our staff. To help us identify these opportunities, we want to hear from you. Please share your feedback via this survey by August 4.
Where Healing Happens
HMSL is excited to continue our education series “Where Healing Happens: From Down the Hall to Across the System.” Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a member of the Senior Leadership Team or what their day-to-day looks like at HMSL? On Thursday, August 10, Chris, Janet, Eliud, Sally and Dr. Desai will speak candidly about leadership and their day-to-day work. Click here for a helpful flyer with registration information.
Rainbow Room Shoe Drive
HMSL's back-to-school shoe drive supporting Fort Bend Rainbow Room ends this week. The organization supports abused and neglected children in crisis. They are in need of shoes for school children ages, 5 to 18. Our goal this year is 75 pairs of shoes. The drive ends this Wednesday, Aug. 2. Click here for a helpful flyer.
Pathway to Unparalleled
Pathway to Unparalleled (PTU) is back and this year’s interactive program is designed to help employees think about unparalleled safety. The 90-minute sessions will focus on how each member of the Houston Methodist team plays a role in creating a safe environment that preserves the physical and psychological health and well-being of all employees, patients and visitors. Employee sessions will begin August 20 and continue through October. All Houston Methodist employees are strongly encouraged to attend. Click here for instructions to register.
Photo Contest
The Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) announces a call for photographs for Interconnected, the theme of the 2023 Healing Arts Exhibition. We invite you to explore the elements in a kindred relationship with nature, whether in the backyard environment of a home, on a wilderness walk or in the far-reaching vistas of a travel experience. This competition is open to all Houston Methodist employees, physicians and volunteers. Click here to review the theme, guidelines and submit your entry. The deadline for entries is 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21.
Why HM Uses Microsoft Edge
Everyone has a favorite web browser, but it may not be the most secure when it comes to data privacy and overall safe browsing. With many browser choices available, why does Houston Methodist use Microsoft Edge? The biggest reason is Microsoft’s Defender SmartScreen technology, which provides industry-leading protections against phishing and malware. This helps us to ensure that our patient and corporate data stays safe from cyber attacks. Read more in the latest issue of IT Matters.
Thank you Summer 2023 Interns
HMSL is excited to celebrate our 2023 summer interns. Maya Garcia and Shelby Brooks are finishing up their time at HMSL and will be returning back to school. Maya worked with our Operations Department and Shelby was part of our DEI Summer Scholarship Program. If you see them, tell them congratulations!
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breastfeeding is a special time between mother and baby, and it is a bond that can take time to establish. The first week in August is also considered World Breastfeeding Week. Click here to read about others raising awareness or celebrating this month.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
Childbirth Center Patient: "It was my fourth stay at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and it was another great experience!"
Main 6 West Patient: "My visit was so great. In my room a sign said, 'what can we do for you?' I felt like everybody was angels and no one could have done more. What wonderful staff. I'd recommend them for my daughter and mother."
Main 4 West Patient: "I would recommend Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital to anyone including my family and friends. When I found out I was sick, I told my kids don't take me anywhere else but Methodist. Everyone took care of me on the 4th floor. I appreciate them so much."
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, August 1: Community Baby Shower. More information.
Tuesday, August 1: Managing Unconscious Bias. More information.
Tuesday, August 8: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Thursday, August 10: Where Healing Happens: A Day in the Life of our Senior Leadership Team. More information.
Friday, August 11 - Sunday, August 13: Tax-Free Weekend
Sunday, August 20: 'Pathway to Unparalleled' employee sessions begin. More information to register.
Friday, August 25: Due date for managers to complete evaluations
Friday, August 25 & Saturday, August 26: Neuroscience and Spinal Disorders Symposium. More information.
Monday, September 4: Labor Day
Saturday, September 30: Deadline for DIY and New Hire Track participants to earn 20,000 points
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, July 31 - Wednesday, August 2: vs. Cleveland Guardians
Thursday, August 3 - Sunday, August 6: @ New York Yankees
Tuesday, August 1 - Sunday, August 6: vs. Tacoma Rainiers
Friday, August 4: Thomas Rhett, Toyota Center
Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6: Jurassic World Live, NRG Stadium
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Believe on Monday the way you believe on Sunday."
-Rita Schiano