Chris Siebenaler, CEO and Regional Senior Vice President
Sugar Land Team,
I am so thankful for the individuals that make up HMSL and the hard work you all put in to make us the great hospital we are. As a token of our appreciation, we’d like to offer you a few ways to spend time with your family—both your immediate family and your HMSL family.
First, we are partnering with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys to help offset ticket pricing to a game at Constellation Field on Saturday, September 24. This means your ticket prices will be just $8.50 after a 50% discount – and we’re throwing in free parking, too. The seats are sectioned together so you can also get to know your coworkers in all departments. This game will be fun, because the Space Cowboys have asked me to throw out the first pitch. Whether you are there to cheer me on or heckle the boss, I hope you make it out. You can only purchase these tickets by clicking this link.
In October, we’ve also partnered with the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land. This is a fantastic local museum and they are offering a great discount to our employees. When you show your employee ID when purchasing on Saturday, October 8 or Sunday, October 9, tickets will be just $6 – that’s for both kids and adults. We also look forward to announcing more deals with the museum just in time for the holidays, so stay tuned.
I hope you enjoy these events as a small thank you for all you do.
Daily Management: The “How” in Performance Excellence
In our constant effort to become unparalleled, we need ways to approach our work that are consistent. Daily Management offers a framework to set goals and monitor processes in our everyday work – as well as ways to make improvements to them. Take a moment to watch the video below and think about how you can see Daily Management impacting your work and unit. In your monthly unit-based meetings, your managers will lead discussions around it, so bring your fresh ideas and visions for the future!
Now through October 10, we will give away a Space Cowboys jersey to 20 employees who view that week's Daily Management video. That's 100 winners! Each contest closes the Sunday after the newsletter is sent. Good luck!
Employee Opinion Survey
We will launch our 2022 Employee Opinion Survey on October 6 after foregoing last year’s annual survey due to COVID-19 and will run through October 26. Much has changed these past few years as a result of the pandemic, and it’s vitally important that you share your opinion of work with us. More information from system HR will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Unparalleled Connections
Unparalleled Connections for an Unparalleled Future sessions continue this week. These in-person sessions are led by senior leadership and dig into the personal connections made throughout their journeys. Sessions at HMSL will run through Sept. 29. Click here to register on LMS.
Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Booster Messages
Two important vaccines are now available from Employee Health. The new bivalent (or hybrid) COVID-19 booster vaccine targets two viral omicron subvariant strains BA.4 and BA.5, which have been responsible for most cases this summer. You can read more about the vaccine in a message from Dr. Rob Phillips and book your appointment on your employee health portal in MARS.
This week also kicked off our system’s flu vaccine campaign. It’s important to get your flu shot to take care of yourself and others. Please read this message from Dr. Marc Boom.
Thanks for all you do to keep others safe.
Smoothie Tasting on Campus
Bleni will be on campus Tuesday, September 20 for a tasting and machine demonstration. The tasting will take place at 12:30 p.m. outside the Garden Café. At 1:00 p.m., we'll then take you upstairs to the 2nd floor for a demonstration on the machine. We will also stream this on Facebook Live in Chris' Corner.
Welcome New Surgeon
Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome hip and knee surgeon Matthew Pearl, M.D. Click here to read more about him and give him a warm welcome when you see him!
Above and Beyond Award
The HMSL Employee Morale Committee is excited to announce Mary “Grace” Ladiao as the September Above & Beyond Winner. Click here to read her nomination and learn more about how to nominate your colleagues.
I CARE in Action
Each September 15 to October 15, Houston Methodist celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the diverse cultures and experiences of Hispanic and Latino Americans. As we continue commemorating I CARE in Action's 10th anniversary, we invite you to participate in volunteer opportunities focused on supporting these communities across Greater Houston. Click here for more information.
Convenience Corner: #LifeHacks
Our team members wear multiple hats. They are dedicated caregivers while at work but are partners, parents, children, neighbors, volunteers, hobbyists and more. This week, we’re featuring a tip from a co-worker to make your everyday life just a little bit easier.
Employee: Kaelyn Bujnoch, Director of Community Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Kaelyn's #LifeHack: Kids' Clothes for the week
“Once the school year begins, rushed and frantic mornings are typical. As my kids get older, there is the additional back-and-forth about what to wear (and sometimes, what not to wear) that can make for a stressful start to the day.
Putting the kids’ weekly school-day clothes in labeled bins on a Sunday makes it easy on me, the kids, and their dad when he dresses them. This has been especially helpful during their 'I want to do it!' stages and reinforces lessons in independence and responsibility. It’s also helpful to know that 'we don’t have socks for Friday’s bin' means laundry needs to happen sooner rather than later!”
If you have a trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that you use to make your life easier and more convenient – please share it with us by emailing Rashna Barge.
Pandemic and Outbreak Resources
COVID-19 Pandemic
We continue to monitor the current uptick of COVID-19 cases at HMSL. Click here for the latest data.
Monkeypox Outbreak
Click here to see the Clinical Resource Guide for clinical guidance on the response to the monkeypox outbreak.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
Main 4 West Patient: “I am an 81 year old retired RN. In a time of pandemic and increased patient load, my nurses, PCA's, housekeeping, nutrition/meal service, transport, imaging, surgical and medical staff were attentive, courteous, pleasant and smiling! True caregivers. Bravo! By the way, complication meant a 4 week stay. The care was consistent and showed splendid teamwork."
MRI Patient: "This was the second MRI I have done and the staff is very professional and personable. The wait time is minimal and the personnel performing the test are very knowledgeable and caring. I truly like this hospital and its staff."
Brazos 5 Patient: "I have had surgeries in other hospitals, but my experience at Methodist Sugar Land was by far the best. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, at Methodist took great care of me. I cannot single anyone out because they were all great and made my stay for emergency surgery more comfortable than I could have imagined. Thanks to all!"
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, September 21: BLS Class. Course ID: 2832. Brazos Conference Rooms B&C, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. More information here.
Thursday, September 22: Focusing on the Family: Exploring Breast Cancer Prevention Through a Genetic Lens. Virtual.12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Register here.
Friday, September 23: Walk with Wellness at noon every Friday. Join the Wellness team on a walk around campus. Registration is not required but you can register here.
Sunday, September 25: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year, begins at sunset)
Friday, September 30: No Harm Wound Care Council's 9th Annual Wound Care Conference. 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Brazos Conference Center. Earn up to 4 CEs. Click here to register.
Friday, September 30: Deadline to complete Health Track
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, September 19 - Wednesday, September 21: @ Tampa Bay Rays
Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 25 @ Baltimore Orioles
Tuesday September 20 - Sunday, September 25: vs Albuquerque Isotopes
Sunday, September 25:
@ Chicago Bears
Friday September 23: Prince Royce, Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, September 24: New York State of Mind Tour ft. Wu Tang Clan and Nas, Toyota Center
Sunday, September 25: ZZ Top, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.”
- Maya Angelou