November 20, 2023

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) gathered in November to cut the ribbon on their new space on 9 West Tower, adding four beds to the existing 12-bed unit on 12 West Tower. Created in 2012, the IRU provides comprehensive rehabilitation care with a family centered approach to improving functional independence and quality of life.

“The opening of these four additional beds is a milestone for us,” said Medical Director Dr. Christian Niedzwecki. “Each year, the rehabilitation needs of so many children go unserved, and today, Texas Children’s took a bold step forward in rectifying those gaps.”

Most IRU patients have acquired brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic disabilities or cerebral palsy. Thanks to a dedicated interdisciplinary team and access to a wide range of hospital services, we improve patients’ comfort and psychological well-being and provide strategies to navigate their return home.

“Expanding the IRU is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing our capacity to provide comprehensive and high quality care, meet the growing demand for rehabilitation services and ensure patients receive the support they need for optimal recovery,” explained Assistant Clinical Director Anthony Bodnar.

“It’s truly inspiring to see our team interact with these patients, meeting them where they are and providing the level of compassion we’re known for at Texas Children’s.”

Click here to learn more about the IRU, and view the photo gallery above to see more from the ribbon-cutting event below.

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The nearly 80 members of the Sterile Processing department work seamlessly every day across campuses to do their part in delivering the highest quality and safest care to our patients. This commitment helped them earn the Healthmark Heart of the Hospital Award. Only five Sterile Processing departments across the country earn this recognition every year. They also received a Mayor’s proclamation. This accolade recognizes events and people that positively contribute to the economic, social and/or cultural fabric of the city of Houston.

“I am incredibly proud to work alongside a team that consistently puts patients first and tirelessly dedicates themselves to the well-being of our community and the advancement of the sterile processing industry,” said Amanda Ward, assistant vice president, Perioperative Services. “Witnessing their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of sterilization and safety for our patients is truly inspiring.”

While their day-to-day commitment and shared vision for excellence helped them achieved this recognition, highlights mentioned in their application include a successful Joint Commission audit, the teams’ resiliency in keeping up with all the changes and updates in the department and success on multiple projects. One of the biggest achievements was reducing their carbon footprint by enhancing their tracking system and going paperless in department reports and documentation.

The team also worked tirelessly with the operating room, clinical areas and external areas of the hospital to mitigate risks in instrument care and handling, as well as ensure the appropriate transport of soiled items for over 115 areas of the hospital.

Ward continued, “This award recognizes the hard work of this team. Their passion for excellence not only reflects our organization’s values but also sets a shining example for the entire healthcare industry.”

Congratulations to the Sterile Processing Department!

In a recent meeting, the Texas Children’s Board of Trustees honored Dr. Peter J. Hotez with a resolution for his extraordinary leadership, distinguished service and scientific contributions to vaccine development and global health.

Dr. Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center of Vaccine Development (CVD) and professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the author of several books.

“It is an honor to witness Dr. Hotez continue to be an extraordinary force in our global fight against COVID-19,” said C. Park Shaper, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “With 120 million doses administered globally, the low-cost, patent-free vaccine developed by Dr. Hotez and his team has protected millions of vulnerable children and adults, and significantly reduced the spread of this devastating virus in many underserved parts of the world.”

In addition to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2022, Hotez also received the AMA’s Scientific Achievement Award. This year he received the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for promoting vaccines and combating vaccine misinformation, as well as the inaugural IDSA Anthony Fauci Courage in Leadership Award.

“Since he arrived in 2011, Dr. Hotez’s unique expertise, preeminent talents and tremendous commitment to our mission have truly impacted the growth of Texas Children’s,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace. “Dr. Hotez has selflessly dedicated his life’s work to creating a world where every person has seamless access to safe and effective vaccines, and he continues to be an inspiration to all who know him.”

Even in the decades before COVID-19, Dr. Hotez served as a leading voice in vaccine advocacy, policies and legislation. “Texas Children’s, Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Medical Center, and our surrounding communities are immensely proud and incredibly blessed to have a brilliant and committed scientist, physician and researcher such as Dr. Hotez in our epicenter,” said Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Lara Shekerdemian.

The difference is life changing at Texas Children’s, and Dr. Hotez is living proof of how we deliver the impossible for the benefit of the world by doing things differently and unapologetically. Join us in congratulating him on this incredible honor!

November 13, 2023

Texas Children’s Hospital has done it again, earning its second impressive workplace ranking in Austin this year. Fresh on the heels of its No. 6 recognition on the Austin Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list, Texas Children’s has received the honor of a No. 2 ranking in the mid-size category for Austin American Statesman Top Workplaces!

The ceremony was held at Fair Market in Austin and our team showed out in a big way, even earning the award for “Most Spirited” group in attendance. Nominated alongside many other companies in the Austin community, Texas Children’s executives accepted the recognition sporting matching TCH baseball jerseys. It was just one more opportunity to display the cohesive and supportive culture being built in Austin!

Austin American Statesman Top Workplaces lists are compiled by Energage, who provides a confidential survey to employees of nominated companies, then compiles scores based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits and retention strategies.

In a city as diverse and enterprising as Austin, there are no shortage of options for talented and caring professionals like the members of our One Amazing Team. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference as we continue to grow our presence in the Austin community!

Check out the recap video from this exciting event!

Meet Robert Ball, admissions supervisor at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. Motivated by forging relationships and putting his skillset to good use, he’s always thinking about the hospital experience for our patients and families – from the moment they walk in until they’re discharged to head home.

How did you end up at Texas Children’s?

I’m originally from Louisiana and have an architecture degree, but transitioned to health care in 2009. My 15 years of experience ranges from front-end operations to consultant work and various roles across the revenue cycle. Working at a children’s hospital in Virginia, and going through cancer, motivated me to pursue pediatrics. When I was looking for a new role, Texas Children’s was a top choice based on its history and mission, and many people I encountered agreed it’s a great place to work.

What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?

I can’t wait to cultivate our Texas Children’s culture and apply it with a unique Austin spin – and to build relationships with our partners, patients and families to ensure we remain one of the best in the nation.

Why are you passionate about your role, and what’s next in your career?

I’m passionate about helping and empathizing with people. Since admissions is the point of entry and exit for the hospital, I can utilize my skills to ensure our patients have a great experience from start to finish. In my past roles, the most rewarding aspects were the face-to-face interactions and relationship building. When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and admitted to the hospital, seeing the kids in my unit push through and stay strong inspired me to enroll in PA school. I’d like to specialize in pediatric oncology.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?

Living in Austin, I’ve learned this is an amazing place to live and work. Austin provides an array of great music, amazing food, beautiful lakes and parks, and diversity. One of my favorite restaurants is Doc B’s located in the Domain.

What’s the best career or work advice you’ve ever received?

Become a lifelong learner. Sometimes in life, we become complacent in our day-to-day work and careers, and tend to forget the world keeps on spinning and changing. With a learning mindset, we grow personally and professionally every day.

Admissions, transfers, and discharges are the three types of patient movements within a hospital. Our admissions representatives oversee all aspects of scheduling, registration, pre-admission and admission operations – ensuring the highest possible customer service, accurate data for clinical/strategic planning, an efficient billing and collections process, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

Appreciative parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Audiologist Brianna Diaz.

“Dr. Diaz went above and beyond to make my daughter’s hearing aid molds extra special this time. Ava wanted a butterfly imprint on her molds and Brianna took it upon herself to find a company that could make this happen. She kept in touch with us often to let us know the progress, and I know it took her quite a bit of extra work and time on her part. It meant everything to my five year old and we are very grateful for her efforts. Thank you again, Dr. Diaz! We are lucky to have you here at the West Campus.”

Caught You Caring

There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.

From the bedside nurse caring for patients in the PICU to the IS Support Desk Analyst resolving technical issues, everyone plays an important role in creating a positive experience. When we put those efforts together and work towards a common goal, we can make the biggest impact.

“When our teams work well together, a patient’s likelihood to recommend goes up, which is one of the biggest measures of a positive patient experience,” said Paige Schulz, vice president, Clinical Support, Community Benefit and Research Administration. “It’s amazing to see the feedback on how our teams came together all year long to deliver safe, quality and personalized care for our patients. They exceeded all expectations for our patient experience goals.”

Survey responses included thousands of positive comments from patients and families. One family’s comment illustrated how working together affects the patient experience, “It was awesome to watch the team work together to perform the procedure. Seeing how unified they worked was inspiring and gave me confidence they were taking the utmost care with my son.”

“Creating a culture of recognition is an important part of how we deliver the best experiences for our patients and their families,” said Julie Griffith, director of Patient Experience and Support Services. “We want to take a moment to show our gratitude to everyone and celebrate this achievement with fun events, special treats and prizes.”

In addition to the events below, there will be various pop-up experiences to provide special treats for night shift staff, and community locations will receive Tiff’s Treats for team members.

  • West Campus – First Floor Lobby
    • Monday, November 13
    • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Taco truck visit, cake, punch and the opportunity to win exciting prizes
  • The Woodlands – First Floor Donor Wall
    • Tuesday, November 14
    • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Taco truck visit, cake, punch and the opportunity to win exciting prizes
  • Medical Center – Pavilion for Women 4th Floor Common Area (Starry Night)
    • Wednesday, November 15
    • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Tacos, cake, punch and the opportunity to win exciting prizes

The Patient Experience team has created an End of Year Recognition Toolkit with resources, materials and ideas to personalize and celebrate your individual teams in ways that are most meaningful.

As an additional THANK YOU for providing safe, personalized, compassionate care, the Patient Experience Team invites you to enter a drawing to win a pair of tickets to the Texans game on December 24, 2023! Click here to enter the drawing.