Week of October 3, 2022
Chris Siebenaler, CEO, Regional Senior Vice President
Sugar Land Team,
October is upon us and it’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the year. It has been another year of change and living with the realities of COVID-19. Despite those remaining challenges, I am thankful for the “normal” things that have returned, like gathering again.
This time of the year also marks our annual Employee Opinion Survey, which opens Wednesday, October 5. This valuable method to hear directly from employees runs through October 26. Your voice helps us plan for the future – from next week to the years ahead. You have influenced improved patient outcomes, continued improvements in our workplace to create a safe and productive environment, and communications across our system by your willingness to speak up.
Systemwide, there are prizes you have the chance to win if you participate, including cash. You can read more about those in an email from Dr. Boom here. Locally, HMSL wants to “Knock EOS Out of The Park” — just like our Astros and Space Cowboys. The first 500 employees who complete their EOS survey will be able to pick up an Astros or Space Cowboys jersey. Just print out your confirmation and bring it to the HR front desk in Sweetwater between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Whether you are a new employee or have been at HMSL for some time, we want to hear from you. You have the power to further our hospital along the journey to unparalleled.
Thank you for all you do.
WATCH: Your Stories of Change Part 2
Daily Management is an element of Performance Excellence that will transform the way our hospital connects each of us, allowing for a more efficient and effective organization. As you watched in last week's video, Daily Management has impacted so many units across the hospital already, giving them a voice in how to improve. This week, more employees share their testimonies of how Daily Management has positively impacted their units.
And don’t forget! 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!
Lane Closures Along Town Center Blvd.
As part of our ongoing construction of MOB 4 and the new parking garage, lanes are now down to one lane through a large stretch of Town Center Blvd. This is to allow construction of a new driveway from Town Center Blvd. to the new MOB 4. This will last through Saturday, October 29. Please see the map on the right for details and keep in mind as you plan your commute and schedule patients.
Houston Texans Visit Oncology Patients
Patients at the Neal Cancer Center were recently surprised with a visit from Houston Texans players. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official healthcare sponsor of the Houston Texans and are grateful for their commitment to our patients and the community.
Employee Spotlight: HMSL More than Just a Job for 5 West Nurse
HMSL is a diverse hospital, filled with individuals with unique stories, perspectives, and interests.
Earlier this summer, 5 West RN Victoria Yoneoka shared photos on Chris’ Corner from a surprise party her co-workers threw for her after obtaining her U.S. citizenship. We got the chance to talk to her about the surprise, the hard-fought journey that led up to it and the lasting impact HMSL has made on her life. Read her story here.
Employee Rebadging
Many of you have spoken up about your concerns regarding safety, and we want to ensure we are creating a safe workplace. This is why we will be rolling out new employee ID badges without your last name on them on October 10. This is a suggestion that we have heard from employees across the system and we want to make it known that we hear you and value your voice and your privacy. Now, employees across the system will have new badges that align with these tighter safety protocols. You can read more about this initiative here.
HM Commercials
HM has launched an advertising campaign to recruit new employees and highlight why our organization is the best choice for them in Houston. The ads reflect what employees have said makes our system a great place to work, and we want to use those themes to entice others to join us. We have kicked off the campaign with radio spots and print ads in local publications. We will launch TV commercials in English and in Spanish in October. We want to tell all of Houston how proud we all are to work at Houston Methodist, a workplace like no other.
This week marks departmental celebration weeks in a variety of areas. Supply Chain Management, Food and Nutrition Services and perinatal nurses in the Childbirth Center are celebrating their respective "national weeks." Give them a warm thanks for all they do when you see them! Read more about these celebrations and others this month by clicking here.
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: Amy Saenz, Physician Liaison, Business Development
Amy's #LifeHack: Utilizing Alexa
"We have Alexa in our kitchen and kids’ rooms, and our family has the Alexa app on our phones. We have a shared shopping list so we can say 'Alexa, add shampoo to the list' or 'Alexa, add milk to the list.' It’s a time-saver to be able to open the fridge or pantry and say out loud what’s needed. This way, whoever stops at the store on the way home has an easily accessible list. No more texting or calling multiple folks to see what we need to buy. Oh, and we also use Alexa to keep a movie list of recommendations for family movie night. This has been a great way to stay connected with my kids!”
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
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
OR Patient: “Chuck made such a favorable impression when I had this procedure in 2020 that I was overjoyed to be in his care again. He is thorough in an easy manner that is not intimidating. Amber rubbed my hand and spoke softly which was a comfort and distraction from the needle in my spine. The nurse at my head was also reassuring. Evelyn Winata was professional and personable while checking on my well-being which was a very nice touch. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is only as good as its staff, which means it is excellent!
CT Scan Patient: “I've been to Radiology to have tests twice and both times it was very quick service. The last test I took I was in and out in less than 20 minutes and I thought that was very good, very efficient. The staff was courteous and nice.”
Main 4 East Patient: “Having just stayed at another hospital in Sugar Land weeks prior, Methodist was lightyears ahead of the care and comfort I received there. I cannot say enough about the kindness, care and support at your hospital. Thank you.”
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, October 3: Meet the BLS Renewal Skills Manikin. Across from Main Pavilion Starbucks. 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 5: BLS Course. Main B&C. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information here.
Wednesday, October 5: Employee Opinion Survey begins
Friday, October 7: ERG Symposium (Virtual). Learn more about DEI initiatives across the campus and about Employee Resource Groups. Register here.
Friday, October 7: 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.
Friday, October 7: ACLS Class. Main A&D, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For EDU, ICU, and NPs only. More information here.
Saturday, October 8: Step Out for Diabetes. Join team HMSL here.
Saturday, October 8: HMSL Employee Discount Day at Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land. Show your Employee ID for $6 admission for the entire family.
Sunday, October 9: HMSL Employee Discount Day at Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land. Show your Employee ID for $6 admission for the entire family.
Tuesday, October 11: Sign-up event for Employee Mammograms. Visit the table across from Main Pavilion Starbucks. Mammograms to be held in November. More information here.
Friday, October 14: Sign-up event for Employee Mammograms. Visit the table across from Main Pavilion Starbucks. Mammograms to be held in November. More information here.
Saturday, October 29: Walk to End Alzheimer's. 8:00 a.m. Join Team HMSL here.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Tuesday, September 27 - Wednesday, September 28: vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2: @ Tampa Bay Rays
Sunday, October 2: vs San Diego Chargers
Friday, September 30: 90s Pop Tour, Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, October 1: Mary J. Blige, Toyota Center
Sunday, October 2: The Beach Boys, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
- Mother Teresa