Week of January 15, 2024
Chris Siebenaler
Executive Vice President of Network Hospitals,
Houston Methodist
It has been an exciting few days here at HMSL. I announced that Michael Garcia, chief operating officer of Houston Methodist Hospital, will be the new CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land, effective Feb. 5. Michael, who is a registered nurse and attorney, has 32 years of health care experience. I know his knowledge of hospital operations and commitment to Houston Methodist mission, vision and I CARE values will contribute to his success here at HMSL. Michael is looking forward to working with all of you. Events are currently being organized so you all have the chance to meet him. Those details will be announced soon.
I was also excited to share Dr. Nick Desai will soon become the chief operating officer, chief medical officer and chief quality officer at our newest hospital, Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital. While this announcement is bittersweet for us here at Sugar Land, I could not be happier for a colleague I have the honor of calling a friend. And while he might be moving within our system, Nick will continue to see patients here at HMSL. A search will begin soon to fill our CMO/CQO position and Nick will be here through that transition.
I understand these announcements are two big changes for our campus – but believe me when I say I am excited about both. As I transition into my new system role of Executive Vice President of Network Hospitals, please know I will be here at HMSL to welcome Michael as he becomes this hospital’s new leader.
Stay warm and safe during this cold weather.
Masking Update
Executive Vice President Roberta Schwartz recently sent out an email about masking. Houston Methodist is strongly encouraging wearing masks again, especially in clinical areas. Please also strongly encourage patients and visitors to do the same. Click here to read the full masking update.
Freezing Temperatures Are Here
Freezing temperatures are here and we know many parts of town are experiencing icy conditions. Please exercise caution if your commute takes you along any bridges or elevated roadways. Allow for plenty of drive time to and from work. Monitor conditions by checking Houston TranStar and Space City Weather.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Food Pantry Drive
Houston Methodist will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day systemwide today. Dr. King championed racial equality and promoted peace. In recognition of Dr. King's life and legacy, HM employees are invited to participate in a week-long pantry drive benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. The drive starts today through Monday, Jan. 22. Bins will be placed at campuses across the system to collect nonperishable food, household paper goods, cleaning supplies, personal and feminine hygiene items, infant diapers (sizes 4/5/6) and wipes. Please deliver the needed items to bins located at Main registration, Brazos conference rooms, Sweetwater registration desk and Main Pavilion 2nd floor (near surgery check-in). In addition, volunteers are needed to help sort and prepare the items. Click here for more volunteer opportunities. Contact communitybenefits@houstonmethodist.org with questions. To learn more about this day and other spiritual care resources, click here.
HMSL in the Media
Last week, WebMD published a new video series highlighting innovations at Houston Methodist, and one of the videos was shot at HMSL. The video highlighted our Childbirth Center and their innovative discharge plan for new parents. Click here to watch. Special thanks to Mother/Baby Nurse Manager Amber Ross for representing our hospital so wonderfully in this series!
Chevron Houston Marathon
HMSL is proud to recognize all of our employees who participated in The Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon this past weekend. Not only did 34,000 people race the clock, but they braved chilly temperatures. Congratulations to our HMSL runners: Alem Gebremariam, Anna Hoffman, Awatif "Emma" Elhalaby (Full Marathon Elite), Arely Orellana, Becky Anzaldua, Cristy Aguirre, Esther Schinzler, Fiona Smith, Jane Ruppert, Kim Rose, Luis Garcia (Full Marathon), Maria Jocela Dihn (Full Marathon), Maria Vidal-Michel, Maureen Lall, Dr. Michelle O'Shea, Mitzi Laughlin, Monica Lazarus (Full Marathon), Oliver Batinga, Randy Abenojar, Shayla White & Teneal Steverson. Check out more pictures in Chris' Corner on Facebook.
State Visit
Occasionally, but not often, we have unannounced complaint investigations from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. On Thursday, Jan. 11, we completed a successful investigation with zero deficiencies cited! Our surveyor was highly complimentary of the staff who were interviewed and involved in the investigation. Her compliments included how knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming the team is. Special thanks to Candy Salazar, Jeanne Keanne, Michaela Taylor, Katherine Sauceda, Reba Rodriguez, Hina Ali, Janan Sackllah, Sherene Arocha, ACNO Sally Shen, CNO Janet Leatherwood, and CMO/CQO Dr. Nick Desai for helping make this a successful visit from the State.
Best Places to Work 2024
Houston Methodist ranked No. 37 on Glassdoor's 2024 Best Places to Work List and was the highest ranking hospital system on the list. Winners were chosen based entirely on employee feedback shared anonymously on Glassdoor over the past year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences working here. View the complete list of winners here.
Free Line Dancing Class
When is the last time you went dancing? In less than two weeks, there will be a free line dancing class right here at HMSL. Learn the steps to Copperhead Road, the Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble and many more! The class is Wednesday, Jan. 24 from noon until 1 p.m. in Brazos Conference Rooms AD. You will need to register. Click here for more information.
Press Ganey Patient Experience Survey Dashboard, PGFusion
PGFusion accounts for all NRC users will be activated in the coming weeks as survey data begins populating in the dashboard. Users will receive an email notification once their account is active. Those that have already registered for the training session on Jan. 18 are welcome to attend and additional training sessions will be made available and communicated to users.
Transition from GE Biomed Tags to Intelligent Locations (IL) at HMSL
We have replaced 2459 GE biomed tags with Intelligent Locations (IL) tags at HMSL. We have reached 81% tagging completion. IL will continue to complete the tagging as a foundation of its operational commitment. With advanced AI analytics and features, IL was chosen to provide Houston Methodist with a real-time, HIPAA-compliant solution to monitor assets, equipment and environmental conditions.
Use the IL Dashboard
The GE Encompass and GE Find It dashboards have been decommissioned and replaced by IL Dashboards (https://hm.intelligentlocations.io). Please take the LMS Course #1645052 to help you navigate the new IL dashboards.
IT Matters
Read the latest issue of IT Matters here to learn more helpful IT tips and news. You can see previous issues of IT Matters and more at it.houstonmethodist.org.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, Jan. 15 - Monday, Jan. 22: Food Pantry Drive Honoring MLK Jr.. More information.
Thursday, Jan. 18: Employee Health closed from 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 18 & Friday, Jan. 19: HMSL Blood Drive.
Wednesday, Jan. 24: Line Dancing Class. More information.
Saturday, Jan. 27: Holocaust Remembrance Day
Wednesday, Jan. 31: Deadline to nominate for I CARE award
Tuesday, Feb. 6: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Saturday, Feb. 10: Lunar New Year
Wednesday, Feb. 14: Ash Wednesday
Tuesday, Feb. 20: Early Voting begins
Wednesday, Feb. 21: Hand hygiene bonus payout
Congratulations to our Houston Texans for advancing in the NFL Playoffs! Their next game will be Saturday, Jan. 20. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official health care provider of our Texans!
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Friday, Jan. 19: Hasan Minhaj, Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, Jan. 20 - Sunday, Jan. 21: Monster Jam, NRG Stadium
Saturday, Jan. 20: Divisional Round
Saturday, Jan. 20: vs. Utah Jazz
Sunday, Jan. 21: vs. Boston Celtics
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
- Martin Luther King Jr.