Week of April 3, 2023
COVID-19 Masking Update
Changes were announced this week to the system masking policy. Consistent to CDC guidelines, the low transmission levels in our community means health care facilities do not need to enforce masking in all places. Here are some of the ways it can impact you and your patients:
Masks are only required for employees and physicians in patient care areas, including hospital nurse’s stations.
Masks are no longer required, but still recommended, in common areas like the cafeteria, hospital lobbies and waiting rooms.
Patients and visitors are no longer required to wear masks but encouraged to do so in waiting rooms and clinical areas.
You can read more in an email from HM Executive Vice President Roberta Schwartz, including other masking guidelines, testing changes and changes to HM gyms.
New Garage Now Open
The new parking garage is now open to staff and the public. It is accessible via ground level, as well as from the third level of Main Garage. Employees are encouraged to park on the third level and above. Thank you for your patience as we worked on this project over the last 16 months.
Watch Now: Your Voice, Your Improvements - Part 7
In our final improvement video, staff discuss how they improved preparation lists for CT patients, the ability for x-ray techs to view images on the floor and the number of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in the ICU.
Thank you to everyone who shared their improvements from 2022. We are excited to hear how you're improving in 2023. Don't forget to scan the "Completed Process Improvement" QR code on your badge buddy to share improvements.
25th Anniversary Gift
Thank you to all who voted on which gift you’d like to see for our 25th Anniversary Celebration! The winner was the 40 oz. stainless steel tumbler with handle. All HMSL staff will receive one to commemorate this milestone at our celebration event on Friday, April 28. Please RSVP via this link if you can attend, however an RSVP is not mandatory to attend.
Childbirth Center Celebrates Astros' Opening Day
Employees and staff were not the only ones sporting Astros gear at HMSL on opening day! Newborns in the Childbirth Center were given Astros-themed onesies upon their arrival into the world. These were given to all newborns across the HM system to celebrate the Astros' return to the field for the 2023 season. It is a privilege to care for these tiny patients and serve as the Official Health Care Sponsor of the World Champion Astros!
New Physicians
HMSL has recently welcomed two new physicians. Darine Kassar M.D. has joined Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates and is now the only neuromuscular physician in Fort Bend County. Nabeel Shalan M.D. joins Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land – making him fifth in the practice. Please welcome them as you see them!
Faith in Medicine
The Asian Heritage and Arab Heritage ERGs are collaborating on a virtual event featuring HM physician Dr. Faisal Masud on Wednesday, April 5, from noon to 1 p.m. In observance of Ramadan, Dr. Masud will discuss how his Muslim faith has shaped his identity as an individual and a physician. Click here to join the meeting.
Save the Date: HMSL Fair
The HMSL Fair is a day of fellowship with one another that gives you a chance to connect with departments and resources across the hospital and in the community. Whether you are looking for ways to get involved, resources to grow as a professional or just want to see what others in the hospital are up to, we invite you to stop by Brazos Conference Center on Friday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Click here for a flyer.
March of Dimes Fundraising
Our March of Dimes (MOD) fundraising campaign is near. We look forward to offering new merchandise to sell, as well as a raffle for reserved parking. Your department can also donate a basket to be raffled off. The deadline to turn those in is May 3. Please email Michelle Smith with the basket's theme, approximate value, list of included items and your unit/department name. Then, join us for the March for Babies the morning of Saturday, May 6 at Constellation Field.
Many departments are celebrating in April. This week is Patient Access Services week. PAS staff are often the first people that patients meet in their care journey at HM. They handle touchpoints like scheduling, registration, financial counseling and so much more. Click here to read more about what they do and read about others celebrating this month.
PATIENT COMPLIMENTS
Wound Care Patient: "This is the third time I have had to call on these wonderful people at Methodist Wound Care for three different serious wounds lasting many months. Every time is a revelation of just how good the treatment is here. They treat every issue seriously and work until there is no longer a problem. I cannot praise all of the doctors and nurses there enough to do them justice. Thank them all."
CT Patient: "I had a fantastic experience with Methodist! I would recommend you guys to anyone. From the CT scan staff, to post-op, to the surgery was top-notch service. I am so pleased that everything went so smoothly. Thank you all for everything!"
Main 6 West Patient: "At 54 years of age, this was my very first experience with surgery. As afraid and nervous as I was, I found that every measure to take care of me and make me comfortable was taken. I really appreciate all the care and compassion of all involved. Thank you all."
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, April 5: Passover begins
Friday, April 7: Good Friday. Employee Health Closed.
Sunday, April 9: Easter
Monday, April 10: Delirium Awareness Event. Main A&D. 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information.
Friday, April 14: HMSL Employee Fair. Brazos Conference Center. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information.
Friday, April 21: Ramadan Ends
Friday, April 21: Deadline to register for HM Family Fun Day. More information.
Friday, April 28: System Safety Symposium. Register here.
Now Through Saturday, May 20: Comfort and Safety Open Discussion Course for Nurse Leaders. More information.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, April 3 - Wednesday April 5: vs Detroit Tigers
Thursday, April 6 - Sunday, April 9: @ Minnesota Twins
Tuesday, April 4: vs Denver Nuggets
Friday, April 7: @ Charlotte Hornets
Sunday, April 9: @ Washington Wizards
Wednesday, April 5: The O'Jays, Smart Financial Centre
Friday, April 7: Blue October, 713 Music Hall
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Baseball is like a poker game.
Nobody wants to quit when he’s losing; nobody wants you to quit when you’re ahead."
- Jackie Robinson