January 2, 2024

Appreciative colleague submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Pharmacy Technician Meghan McBee.

“Sending a shout out to thank Meghan for her help. We are doing a lot of painting with patients in our playrooms, and Meghan agreed to collect some discarded plastic trays from pharmacy for us to use. Using these trays makes it easy to take paints to where our patients are painting, even if it is in their rooms. We certainly appreciate Meghan’s willingness to support us as we care for our patients.”

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.

This holiday season, show some love to team members who make your day. Read More

December 21, 2023

We are weeks away from opening the doors to our first hospital in Austin. Texas Children’s #OneAmazingTeam, at all our Austin locations, has been hard at work growing our culture of care in the region and preparing to open North Austin Campus. By providing the right care in the right place from the right people, our mission to create a healthier future for the people of Austin and Central Texas is just getting started.

“I am beyond thrilled and incredibly proud that we are finally nearing the finish line of what has been a culmination of years of vision, planning and tremendous hard work,” said President & CEO Mark A. Wallace in an email to the organization. “There are some moments in our history that are monumental beginnings of new chapters and this is indeed one of them.”

The brand new, state-of-the art, $485 million campus will cater to both children and women with a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services – many of which are not available locally or even offered at our own community hospitals in Houston. The hospital will open in phases with details below.

Thursday, February 1, 2024: grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration.

  • 1 – 2 p.m. media and key photos
  • 2 p.m. remarks, videos and ribbon cutting
  • 2:30 – 4 p.m. reception and open house tours

Monday, February 5, 2024: we will open all outpatient services in the medical office building and will begin seeing patients for clinic visits.

  • Audiology
  • Cardiology
  • Diabetes / Endocrine
  • Feeding Therapy
  • GI / Nutrition
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Orthopedics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Gynecology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Physical Therapy
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Pulmonary
  • Speech Therapy
  • Sports Medicine
  • TCP
  • Urology

We will also open the following support areas to support this clinical activity in the MOB:

  • Outpatient Laboratory
  • Radiology (non-sedated imaging that supports clinics visits)
  • Respiratory Care (Outpatient PFT)
  • Food Services / Cafeteria

Tuesday, February 20, 2024: all hospital inpatient services will be open to the public, including:

  • All inpatient units
  • ORs
  • Cardiovascular / ECMO
  • PACU/Pre-Op
  • Sleep Center
  • Outpatient procedures
  • Central Sterile Processing
  • Pharmacy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Emergency Center
  • Urgent Care
  • Women’s Services
  • Cancer Center
  • Complex Care
  • Infusion Center
  • Renal / Dialysis

Texas Children’s has been building a presence in Austin since 2018, starting with the opening of Urgent Care in Westgate and Mopac Specialty Care. We acquired and forged partnerships with providers across the region to build a network of 18 Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations, and we’re not stopping there. Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin is the centerpiece of a strategically planned care model, designed to meet the unique, specialized needs of Austin’s children and women.

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.

December 18, 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams are an extremely valuable tool used in diagnosing patients. The exam length and unusual environment can be a cause of anxiety. Historically, pediatric patients needed general anesthesia to complete their exam, but through the MR-I Got This program, patients can use MRI mock scanners to help ease anxiety.

The mock scanners look and sound like a real scanner, but on a smaller scale. It has a bed that patients can lie on and travel into a tunnel similar to a real scanner. An MRI scanner makes loud noises while taking pictures, and the mock scanner simulates those noises preparing a child for what to expect. Allowing a child to practice their scan before they enter the real scanner helps them better understand their role and become more comfortable with something unfamiliar to them.

Since the launch in March 2022, MR-I Got This has had nearly 800 patients try the mock MRI scanner at both Medical Center and West Campus combined. Of those patients, 90% have been successful in completing their MRI without any medication. Additionally, the age range of patients completing this has been very wide with the youngest successful MR-I Got This patient at 2 ½ years old fully completing the MRI scan with the help of our amazing team.

“One of the biggest challenges we face with MRIs is getting the patient comfortable with the procedure to yield the best results,” said Dr. Nilesh Desai, Chief of Neuroradiology. “The mock scanner technology and the knowledge and patience of our team members has made all the difference in the progress we’ve made.”

This program is open to all patients free of charge and is available at both Medical Center and West Campus Radiology. Providers or patients can call to schedule the mock scanner and their non-sedate MRI to follow at the following locations:

  • Medical Center: 832-826-1334
  • West Campus: 832-227-2039

Radiologist Dr. Brandon Fuqua added, “It’s not a requirement to use the mock scanner, but the patients who benefit most are those who’ve never had an MRI before or experience anxiety. However, it’s open to anyone who feels it would benefit them.”

The mock scanner team consists of MRI Coordinators, Child Life, MRI Technologists and nurses all of whom help the patient through the process and answer questions they may have.

Click here to watch a video for more information or email MRIGotThis@texaschildrens.org.

 

Expectant mom submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Ultrasonographer Jenny Cervantes.

“She was so patient and engaging during my ultrasound. She kept me distracted and at ease all while performing her job. She also was so respectful and kind which goes a long way when you are an anxious first time mom!”

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.

It takes a team to heal the children and women we serve, and Texas Children’s volunteers are an essential part of this effort. That’s where Olga Valdez, senior volunteer coordinator at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin, comes in.

What brought you to Texas Children’s?

For the past seven years, I have been working with children’s nonprofits, specializing in volunteer management and event planning. I’m from Texas originally, but worked in Dallas and Scottsdale, Ariz. throughout my career. However, nothing compares to the beauty of central Texas. When I decided to move back, I was determined to find a company aligned with my values and mission. I wanted to work somewhere with a great atmosphere and culture. Texas Children’s Hospital exceeded my expectations, and I was thrilled to discover they were opening a new hospital in North Austin. I knew I had to apply for the position…it was the perfect opportunity for me to grow my career and be part of something special.

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

I am thrilled to be a part of the opening process and meet every volunteer who walks through our doors. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our hospital, and they bring with them a range of unique backgrounds and experiences. What they all have in common is an unwavering passion and commitment to helping others. I am excited to collaborate with different departments and find new ways to enhance the experience for both patients and staff.

What does “Always Thinking Experience” mean to you?

A great patient and family experience is crucial because it’s not just about health care, it’s about making a tough time a bit easier. Bringing this culture from Houston to Austin means infusing warmth, empathy and top-notch care into every interaction. It’s about creating a supportive environment where people feel heard, valued and understood.

What makes Austin a great place to work and live?

I can’t get enough of Austin! It’s the perfect combination of great music, mouth-watering food choices and an abundance of outdoor activities. Every day is an adventure here – it’s the best balance of work and play. Whether you’re exploring the city’s vibrant culture or indulging in thrilling outdoor experiences, Austin promises to keep you on your toes and leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Austin are ATX Cocina, Summer Moon Coffee and Matt’s El Rancho. I love spending my summers on Lake Travis and enjoying the outdoors. I cannot wait to continue exploring the city!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Looking ahead, I aspire to lead initiatives that enhance volunteer experiences and promote community involvement. I am passionate about using my abilities to establish meaningful relationships with volunteers and the community, fostering a spirit of teamwork and making a positive difference.

Volunteer Services at Texas Children’s Hospital is committed to maintaining an active program of support, compassion and quality service for the community of children and families we serve, all while providing meaningful and challenging opportunities for those who volunteer. Interested in volunteering at one of our hospitals? Click here to learn more.

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.

This holiday season, show some love to team members who make your day. Read More