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March 14, 2025

At Texas Children’s, we’re always prepared to care for our most vulnerable patients, no matter the challenge. One of the most unique aspects of this commitment is the Special Isolation Unit (SIU) at West Campus—a first-of-its-kind biocontainment unit designed specifically to care for individuals with highly-contagious diseases. What makes this unit extraordinary is the dedicated Special Response Team, a group of highly trained volunteers from across the hospital who stand ready to respond when needed most. 

The Heart of the SIU: The Volunteer Special Response Team

While the SIU is an advanced medical facility, the driving force behind its success is the dedicated team of volunteers who make it possible. The Special Response Team is staffed by physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), registered nurses, respiratory therapists, medical technologists, infection control specialists, and environmental services (EVS). In addition, the unit relies on an extended support team that includes TCH security, media and PR teams, food services, child life specialists, social workers, and more.

Volunteer training

Team members are pulled from their home units to staff the SIU in the event of activation. To maintain their readiness, they undergo training three times per year, focusing on high-level personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols and simulated patient care scenarios within SIU rooms. Training extends beyond technical skills—it fosters teamwork, trust, and cohesion. Education also covers emerging global outbreaks, virology concepts, and infection control best practices, ensuring the team is always up to date on the latest in infectious disease management.

A unit like no other

Built in 2015, the SIU was created for pediatric patients with special pathogens, including viral hemorrhagic fevers, novel coronaviruses, and MPOX clade 1. This state-of-the-art facility includes eight uniquely designed rooms on the 5th floor acute care unit, each ICU-capable and equipped with dialysis lines if necessary. With HEPA filtration, negative pressure rooms, and clean, easily sanitized surfaces, the unit ensures the highest level of infection control. In cases of respiratory virus outbreaks, the SIU can expand to accommodate up to 18 patients.

Beyond patient rooms, the SIU houses a specialized laboratory, three dedicated autoclaves for sterilization of category A biohazardous waste, and pass-thru boxes to minimize staff exposure. Large windows and in-room cameras improve visualization, while a family care room with AV technology allows parents to stay connected to their child without risk of exposure. Once activated, the unit is strictly badge-access only, maintaining a one-directional flow to ensure maximum safety.

Join the SIU Team
We are recruiting health professionals who have completed at least one year of service at TCH with experience in Critical Care, Emergency Care or Acute Care environments. 

Click here to fill out the interest form.

The 2025 Annual Engagement Survey launches next week! This is your opportunity to share valuable feedback that helps drive real improvements across our organization.

The survey will be open from March 25 to April 11. There will be two surveys—one for employees and one for providers. Our goal is to reach 90% participation because the more feedback we receive, the bigger the impact we can make.

Safe and secure

The Information Services Cybersecurity team has confirmed the survey email and link are safe to open and click. You will receive an email from Press Ganey on behalf of Texas Children’s, sent from noreply@surveys.pressganey.com or noreply@hxplatform.pressganey.com.

• The email subject will be “Texas Children’s 2025 Employee Engagement Survey” or “Texas Children’s 2025 Provider Engagement Survey”—this is not spam or a phishing attempt.
• To complete the survey, simply click the safe and verified link in the email or scan the QR code to take it on your phone.

Maintaining your confidentiality

We want you to share your feedback with confidence, knowing your responses remain confidential. 

• Leaders will not see individual responses—Press Ganey only reports aggregate quantitative data.
• A manager must have at least five respondents to see the data in aggregate.
• Your answers to open-ended questions will be confidential and not linked to any identifiable information. However, they will be shared with leaders word-for-word. If you have any concerns, please avoid including personal details in your comments.

Need Help?

• Leaders, be on the lookout for the next resource email on March 20. Continue to reference previous emails named “Engagement Survey Leader Resource #X” for guidance.
• FAQs are available—just ask your leader.
• Send an email to Mike Mazanec, Tammy Christensen or the Organizational Effectiveness inbox.

We’re all in this together, and your feedback helps us grow. So do not miss this chance—take the survey, share your thoughts, and help shape a better future for Texas Children’s!

Jayla Houston wants to give back and mentor the next generation of nurses. Read more on the Voice of Nursing blog.

March 10, 2025

Pearland ISD is now a Heart Safe District, thanks to a collaborative effort led by Texas Children’s through Project ADAM. This recognition highlights the district’s commitment to cardiac emergency preparedness, aligning with national Project ADAM standards. 

“We are thrilled to announce all 24 of our campuses, along with the Education Support Center, have achieved Heart Safe School status. This distinction ensures each school is equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), a Medical Emergency Response Plan and a trained response team prepared to act in the event of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest,” Pearland ISD shared. 

Texas Children’s provided essential support by training school staff in CPR and AED use, establishing clear emergency protocols, and ensuring AEDs are accessible and properly maintained across all schools. 

“Being part of a team dedicated to making our schools Heart Safe is more than just a commitment—it’s a responsibility,” said Senior Project Manager Brittany Hainesworth. “When every member of the community—from educators to students to first responders—plays a role in preparedness, we create a safety net that can mean the difference between life and death. Together, we ensure every student is protected, every second counts and every life matters.” 

In addition to hands-on training, our team has been actively involved in community outreach and raising awareness about heart health. 

“Project ADAM extends far beyond Texas Children’s Hospital; it’s a national initiative with 44 affiliates,” said Project Manager Michelle Hildreth. “We are fortunate to collaborate with children’s hospitals across the country, sharing best practices and successes. It’s an honor to be part of this life-saving program.” 

Texas Children’s remains a dedicated partner, offering ongoing education and refresher training to maintain and enhance Pearland ISD’s Heart Safe status. This partnership ensures the district is well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies, creating a safer environment for both students and staff. 

“Working with schools allows us to strengthen the chain of survival for cardiac arrests,” said Dr. Santiago Valdes, Medical Director for Project ADAM.

“All the advance care we provide once they reach the hospital, can’t overcome a weak link in the chain prior to arrival.”  

Heart Safe certification is an ongoing initiative. In 2021, Crosby ISD became the first district in the Houston area to be recognized as a Heart Safe District by Texas Children’s. Since then, Texas Children’s has successfully certified nearly 100 schools, with Alvin ISD and Round Rock ISD currently working toward full district certification. 

About Project ADAM 

Founded in 1999, Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) was established in honor of Adam Lemel, a 17-year-old athlete who suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a basketball game. The initiative focuses on equipping schools with lifesaving tools and training to prevent tragic outcomes. 

Every drop of milk processed at the North Austin Milk Bank plays a crucial role in the health and development of our tiniest patients. Launched with the hospital’s opening in February 2024, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to ensuring infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pavilion for Women receive the precise nourishment they need to thrive. 

What makes the Austin Milk Bank unique 

“Here in Austin, the Milk Bank is a central mixing area where we handle both breast milk and formula,” explained Bonishia Morris-Davis, the Milk Bank’s supervisor. “This is different from the Medical Center, where those two services are managed separately. I got my start as a Milk Bank tech there, so integrating formula mixing was new to me. However, it’s all about ensuring every baby receives the precise nutrition prescribed by their doctor.” 

With advanced tools like a milk analyzer and a centrifuge, the team can tailor breast milk to meet specific needs, such as skimming fat for renal patients or analyzing milk for protein, carbohydrate and lactose content. “We’re privileged to have this technology in-house,” Bonishia said. “It allows us to be more precise with our recipes, so babies can grow and heal.” 

In addition to its technical capabilities, the Milk Bank collaborates with the Mother’s Milk Bank of Austin to supply donor milk for babies who need it. “They’re amazing at delivering whatever we need, when we request it,” said Ashley Bolton, a Milk Bank technician who is new to Austin and to Texas Children’s. 

A day in the life of a Milk Bank technician 

Ashley joined the Austin Milk Bank team in October, shortly after graduating with a degree in neuroscience from UTSA in San Antonio. She was drawn to the role because it offered a chance to learn new skills, explore the clinical setting, and contribute meaningfully to the health of children at the start of their journey. 

The role of a Milk Bank technician demands curiosity, precision and a commitment to teamwork. “In the morning, we get our patient list to see who we’re taking care of,” she explained. “We highlight which babies we have and check milk supplies, coordinating closely with nurses and lactation consultants. Collaboration is key; the 8:45 a.m. milk huddle with lactation consultants is pivotal to understanding where moms are at with their pumping and how we can best support them.” 

Although Milk Bank technicians have minimal direct interaction with patients, their collaboration with lactation consultants, dietitians and nurses ensures that every baby’s nutritional needs are met. “We double-verify every single mix,” Ashley noted. “From the products we pull to the recipes we follow, two people check every detail to ensure accuracy. It’s a meticulous process, but it’s essential for the babies’ health.” 

The people behind the process 

The Austin Milk Bank team is small but mighty, consisting of just a handful of technicians and their supervisor, Bonishia. “We’re close-knit and collaborative,” Ashley shared. “Rachel, one of our techs, has been here since the Austin Milk Bank opened and brings valuable insights from her training at other campuses. Bonishia is a strong leader who encourages independence while being incredibly supportive. She’s always advocating for us and making sure we have the tools and knowledge we need to excel.” 

This culture of support extends beyond the Milk Bank. “What I love about working at Texas Children’s is how open and collaborative everyone is,” Ashley said. “From leadership to the front line, people here genuinely care about improving processes and enhancing patient care.” 

Why the Milk Bank matters 

The impact of the Milk Bank’s work cannot be overstated. “What we do is medicine for these babies,” Ashley reflected. “It’s empowering knowing what milk—this beautiful, goddess nectar—can do for a baby. Knowing we play a part in nourishing children is incredibly rewarding.” 

The Austin Milk Bank team exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and dedication that defines Texas Children’s. We are grateful for their commitment to making a lasting impact—one bottle at a time. 

 

Veteran nurse Chloe Smith continues to learn and grow with the help of a mentor. Read more on the Voice of Nursing blog.

 

March 5, 2025