As winter weather moves into the Houston area, we want to share important information regarding our ride-out plans at Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

Ride-Out Check-In/Sleeping Spaces

• If you are part of the official ride-out team and your leader has confirmed you will be staying overnight, please bring:
  • Your own bedding, pillow, towel, toiletries, uniform/work clothes, food, medications, etc., as these items will not be provided.
• You will need to check in on site when you arrive for your ride-out shift.
  • If you are arriving between 7 p.m. – midnight Monday night, you will need to check in at the Sweetwater Atrium to receive your sleeping location.
  • If your shift finishes at 7 a.m., check in at the Sweetwater Atrium to receive your sleeping location.
  • No empty patient rooms should be used for sleeping, unless assigned.
• For any questions about sleeping spaces, please contact your manager.

Campus Updates

• The hospital will be locked down beginning at 9 pm on Monday, January 20, until all-clear is called on Wednesday. Patients and visitors will need to use the Bhalla Main Pavilion entrance, Sweetwater North entrance or Emergency entrance. Employees will still be able to access all entrances with badges.
• The employee gym will be closed from 7 p.m. on Monday, January 20 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22.

Staffing and Operations

• Your direct manager will communicate your specific status during this event — whether ride-out, recovery or paid time off. All team members assigned to ride-out must be onsite at the times outlined in Roberta’s email. Please plan accordingly to ensure timely arrival.
• Elective procedural cases scheduled for Tuesday, January 21 have been canceled. Our scheduling teams are working with our patients and physician offices to reschedule these patients.
• As of this writing, a 10 a.m. late start is planned for Wednesday, January 22, but that could change based on weather developments. A final decision about operations on Wednesday will be made later today.

Family Considerations

• For your safety and the safety of our patients, no children, family or pets are allowed on campus. Click here for assistance with backup childcare.
• Schools across the area are already closed on Monday in observance of MLK, as well as Tuesday-Wednesday, so please plan accordingly.

Space City Weather is a good resource to stay weather aware. Be sure to check out The HUB for updated severe weather information.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to caring for our patients. I understand how hard it is to leave your loved ones at home during these challenging conditions. Please know your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Your commitment is deeply appreciated.

Stay safe and stay warm,

Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s passion for service, HMSL will host a book and school supply drive. The drive starts today through Wednesday, January 29. Bins will be placed at five locations around campus:

• MOB4
• Brazos Conference Rooms
• Near Sweetwater Registration Desk
• Main building, 2nd Floor across from surgery check-in
• Ortho Building Main Entrance

Celebrating Janet Leatherwood

HMSL is preparing to celebrate our CNO, Janet Leatherwood, next week. After 24 years at HMSL, Janet is retiring at the end of this month. Join us on Tuesday, January 28 for a come-and-go reception in the Brazos Conference Center. Stop by any time between 3-5 p.m. to wish Janet all the best in retirement. If you would like to submit a video memory for Janet, click here. If you would like to submit a photo/message, click here. Both deadlines are this Friday, January 24.

Celebrate National Mentoring Month

Webinar: Career Advice I Would Give My Younger Self
Thursday, January 23, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Join us on Zoom - register here

Attend Dr. Boom's Virtual Town Hall

Join Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, as he delivers the State of the System address during a live virtual town hall from noon – 1 p.m. Monday, January 27. Dr. Boom will highlight last year’s successes and this year’s plans. Click here to watch the livestream and add it to your calendars via this link from The HUB. You can submit your questions live or email them ahead of time by clicking here. Dr. Boom will answer as many questions as possible. If you can’t attend the event live, a recording will be available later. 

Houston Methodist is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Texas 10 Series. Houston Methodist employees can receive 20% off registration for any Texas 10 Series event through this partnership. The next event in the series is the Sienna 10 Miler on February 2. The course is one of the most beautiful courses in the Texas 10 Series and is a great PR opportunity with its relatively flat layout. To take advantage of this discount, log on to YouDecide. If you have never used the site before, use the code MTH052 to register. Click on the Sports & Outdoors tile and select Texas 10 Series.