Week of October 24, 2022
Chris Siebenaler
CEO, Regional Senior Vice President
I was excited to see so many Culture of Safety awards handed out to HMSL staff and teams. 62 of your colleagues were recipients of these awards across nine different categories, which are prestigious in our organization.
One of those awards was the Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Diane McGraw. Diane has been at HMSL for 19 years of her 40-year career in health care. She has held the position of Patient Safety Officer since 2009 and leads HMSL in our various accreditations and works closely with the senior leadership team as well as staff across the hospital to ensure safety and quality health care services.
You can see a full list of HMSL awardees here. Please give these individuals and teams a big congratulations for being recognized for their contributions to advancing quality and patient safety in their units, departments, our hospital and the system.
I am proud of the work all of you have done.
Knock EOS Out of the Park
Help us knock EOS out of the park before the survey closes Wednesday, Oct. 26! Our goal is 85% participation and we cannot do it without you! Please check your email for a message from Press Ganey for a link to the survey.
We are thankful for your time in completing the survey.
H-E-B Gift Card Distribution
As you read in Dr. Marc Boom’s President’s Letter last month, Houston Methodist is providing all eligible employees with a $500 H-E-B gift card and they will be distributed this week. Pickup will be in Main Conference Rooms A&D at the dates and times below:
- Tuesday, Oct. 25: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 26: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 27: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 29: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Don’t forget to bring your badge! You must pick up your gift card in person, and you’ll have to swipe your official employee badge to receive your gift card. Click here to learn about gift card eligibility and more. If you can’t find the answer to your question in the FAQ, please reach out to your leader or email the HR Hub.
We truly hope that this gift card helps you and your family as we continue to see household prices rise. You deserve it!
Upcoming Events at HMSL
There are a lot of fun events coming up that we hope you get a chance to participate in.
Read about them below and make sure to mark your calendars!
Oct. 28: Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Get in the Halloween spirit with a pumpkin decorating contest! Pumpkins will be available for pickup beginning Monday, Oct. 24 in the Main Atrium. The contest will be held October 28 and prizes will be awarded in four different categories. Click here to read more.
Nov. 1: HMSL Employee Fair
Everyone is invited to our HMSL Employee Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After spending more than two years apart, we are hosting a fun way to reconnect with resources and ways to get involved around the hospital. Snacks, games and prizes will be available. Houston Texans mascot, TORO, will make a visit between Noon and 1 p.m. Click here for more details.
Dec. 10: HMSL Holiday Party
Mark your calendars for the 2022 HMSL Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 10. at Safari Texas Ranch from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Dinner will be served. Please RSVP by clicking here.
Comfort and Safety Course
The Comfort and Safety course is now available on LMS. This course is focused on sharing best practices and behaviors based on newly found research on how we can make rounds effective while enhancing overall patient satisfaction. The deadline to complete the course is January 31, 2023. Click here for sign-up information.
New Resuscitation Education Program Coming Soon
A new, time-saving way to complete your BLS renewal will debut on campus next week. Instead of attending an in-person, instructor-led BLS renewal course every two years, you will take the online HeartCode Complete course and perform your skills at one of the three manikin carts located across the hospital beginning November 1. The time you spend out of your unit or department will now be dramatically reduced when compared to the in-person classes we have relied on. Click here to read more.
Above and Beyond Award: October 2022
The Employee Morale Committee awarded Janan Sackllah, a manager in the Quality Care Department, with the Above and Beyond Award for the month of October. She was nominated after she came in on a weekend to assist a nurse in a hard conversation with a patient and their family. Click here to read her nomination and how to nominate your own colleagues. Congratulations and thank you, Janan!
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month Events
HMSL has a partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Sugar Land Town Square. You will see Houston Methodist represented in many exciting ways at the final event this weekend, Saturday, Oct. 29, at their Dia de Los Muertos family event.
Also on Saturday, Oct. 29, HMSL is also excited to host the Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and their "Beyond Diagnosis: Whole Body and Emotional Wellness" event. HMSL staff will be featured speakers at the event and all are welcome to attend. Click here for details.
Additionally, you can shop for a cause to close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stop by Kendra Scott on Friday, Oct. 28 for "SurviveHER Shop for Good." There will be bites, sips and sweets and a conversation with HMSL experts about breast cancer awareness. More information can be found here.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ceremony
In recognition of October’s designation as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Houston Methodist’s MOMs of Methodist employee resource group (ERG) will host a virtual remembrance ceremony on Oct. 26 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to leave virtual messages in memory of the babies we have lost. Email MOMs of Methodist ERG for more information.
It is a packed week of departmental celebrations. Spiritual Care, Respiratory Therapy and Facilities are all honored for their work this week. Their dedication to patients and staff is immeasurable and we are thankful for all they do. Read more about them and others celebrating this month by clicking here.
Convenience Corner: Family Photos on Campus
It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is just around the corner! This year, let us make it convenient for you to capture a special memory with your family right here on campus.
We have local photographer, Kelley Sweet, and her team offering digital family portraits for only $35!
Here are the details:
- Saturday, Nov. 12 at Brazos Conference Center
- Please sign up in advance for a 5-minute slot between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Register by clicking the image of the backdrop below you'd like for your photo. It will direct you to the sign-up page.
- $35, inclusive of taxes and fees
- A digital photo of you and your family* will be taken, edited and delivered to you via email in five business days
We hope this mini session format allows you to get print-worthy photos that are fun, fast, and less costly than booking a lengthy portrait session. With a turn-around of about five business days, your family will have a wonderful memory to enjoy and share this holiday season.
A big thanks to the Convenience Perks team for making this happen.
*Immediate family only; staff with HMSL badge must be present. Pets are not allowed.
Pandemic and Outbreak Resources
COVID-19 Pandemic
As local COVID-19 numbers continue to stabilize, we are moving to system-wide reporting of case numbers in the e-newsletter. Click here for the latest statistics.
Monkeypox Outbreak
Click here to see the Clinical Resource Guide for clinical guidance on the response to the monkeypox outbreak.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
Endoscopy Patient: "Dr. Schneider, the anesthesiologist, nurses and the entire staff were so professional, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. I would definitely recommend this service to my family and friends."
Sienna PT/OT Patient: "The therapist that I met with is Mike, and he did a great job understanding my injury and making a rehabilitation plan. Awesome!"
Childbirth Center Patient: "This was my first baby and hospital stay at Methodist and it was absolutely amazing. I didn't want to leave. The staff were all amazing, nice and very caring. I will be back when I decide to have more children."
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, October 26: Employee Opinion Survey closes
Saturday, October 29: Walk to End Alzheimer's. 8:00 a.m. Join Team HMSL here.
Sunday, October 30: Deadline to enter International Fashion Show. More information here.
Wednesday, November 2: BLS Course. Main B&C. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information here.
Thursday, November 3 - Friday, November 4: ACLS Course (2-day course). Main A&D. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information here.
Saturday, November 5: Holiday Fashion Show featuring local cancer survivors, caregivers and health care providers. Dillard's at First Colony Mall. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
Thursday November 10: Night Shift Governance Council meeting. Main Conference Rooms A & D, 7:30 a.m. Virtual option here.
Saturday, November 12: AHA Heart Walk. Join Team HMSL here.
Tuesday, November 15: PALS Classes. Education Conference Room. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information here.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
World Series Schedule vs Philadelphia Phillies
Game 1: Friday, Oct. 28
Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 29
Game 3: Monday, Oct. 31
Game 4: Tuesday, Nov, 1
Game 5: Wednesday, Nov. 2*
Game 6: Friday, Nov. 4*
Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 5*
* = if needed
Sunday, Oct. 30: vs Tennesee Titans
Monday, Oct. 24: vs Utah Jazz
Wednesday, Oct. 26: @ Utah Jazz
Friday, Oct. 28: @ Portland Trailblazers
Sunday, Oct. 30: @ Phoenix Suns
Thursday, Oct. 27: Tauren Wells, Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, Oct. 29: The Millenium Tour ft. Bow Wow, Keri Hilson, Mario, Smart Financial Centre
Sunday, Oct. 30: Blues Clues Live, Smart Financial Centre
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Where do ghosts go on holidays? The Boohamas.