September 8, 2017

Frances Mathews, Clerical Secretary, West Tower Post Anesthesia Care Unit, died July 22, 2017 at the age of 55.

Frances’ career in the medical field spanned over 25 years between Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Luke’s. She had a passion for singing and was the lead singer for Ms. Frances & The Rhythm Fish and The Works. She was a bold, sweet spirit with a big heart. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter was contagious.

She is survived by two children, Ray and Cachet; four grandchildren, Jaeden, Angeloe, Rayven and Christian; father Rufus; four sisters and three brothers; many other relatives, friends and church members from The Fountain of Praise.

August 31, 2017

Texas Children’s is sponsoring a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, September 1, in the Wallace Tower third-floor conference room.

The target audience for this drive is:

  • Physicians
  • Texas Children’s staff members
  • Family members who are on site only

This drive is not open to the public. Use sponsor code K076.

Please contact Volunteer Services at 832-824-2257 with questions.

Thank you for your support.

July 25, 2017

In support of Patient and Family Services’ Step Up for Patients First initiative, 2,083 enthusiastic Texas Children’s employees participated in the StairWELL Challenge during the month of June. Participating employees made physical activity a priority by committing to take two to eight flights of stairs a day to improve the elevator experience for our patients and their families.

Texas Children’s Patient Experience Team received several comments from family members expressing positive feedback about the challenge.

“Thank you to all of the staff and doctors who we saw taking the stairs,” one grateful family member said. “The elevators are always crowded and wrestling for elevator space is the last thing you want to worry about when taking your child to multiple appointments. Seeing staff walk up or down just a few flights of stairs was a kind gesture to free up space.”

Director of Patient and Family Services Katie Kalenda Daggett said “because of the positive feedback from our patients and families, we learned this simple act of putting patients first when moving about on our public elevators has made a strong and positive statement about our commitment to them.”

Many employees said the challenge was a fun and healthy way to improve the experience for our patients and their families. According to a post-challenge survey:

  • 79 percent increased the number of minutes they were physically active
  • 57 percent improved their fitness level
  • 23 percent made new connections and became more social at work
  • 41 percent amplified unity to serve patients and families first
  • 66 percent expressed they had fun
  • 54 percent shared they now have a high commitment to taking the stairs

Several employees plan to continue the challenge. The Information Services team, for example, started Walk and Talk Tuesdays and Vertical Friday, which includes climbing 20 flight of stairs at the Feigin Center.

Departments across the organization amplified unity during the challenge by leading group stairwell climbs and exercise activities. Take a look at this short video to see challenge participants in action.

“We encourage all Texas Children’s employees to continue to be part of this collaborative process to reduce extended wait times at the elevators,” said Director of Benefits and Well-being Jill Fragoso. “It is important to remember Step Up for Patients First is part of a broader initiative to enhance patient experience across the hospital system.”

Want to achieve a personal fitness goal and help preserve the mission of Texas Children’s Hospital? Runners can enter the sold out 2018 marathon and half marathon races through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason charity program.

Texas Children’s Hospital is an official charity for the Houston Marathon and Armaco Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday, January 14, 2018. The Run for a Reason program is a way for runners to run the race of their choice with a guaranteed entry – on behalf of a charity.

Running for Texas Children’s Hospital is not just about the race, it’s a promise to our patients. By signing up to run and fundraise on behalf of Texas Children’s Hospital, your donations will directly impact the lives of countless children. Your race will become the race for our patients who are too sick – sometimes too sick even to play outside. Your support will allow us to expand our care to even more children who need our help.

Make your promise and join the Texas Children’s Running Team today! For additional information and ways to get involved, click here.

Questions
Please contact Claire O’Malley at ext. 4-2685 or runforareason@texaschildrens.org.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but a Blizzard® sounds so delightful! Beat the blazing summer heat with a Blizzard® from participating Dairy Queen restaurants on Miracle Treat Day, Thursday, July 27.

Plus, it’s for a good cause. For every Dairy Queen Blizzard® sold on Miracle Treat Day, $1 or more of that purchase will be donated to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital – Texas Children’s Hospital to help provide life-saving treatment for children in need.

Every minute, 62 children enter a CMN hospital for treatment. Over the past 30 years, the network has raised nearly $100 million to support pediatric hospitals across the United States.

To learn more, visit MiracleTreatDay.com.

July 18, 2017

Ashley King, January – March 2017 Leader

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Ashley King, Patient Care Manager, Otolaryngology Department. I’ve worked for Texas Children’s Hospital for 10 years.

What month are you Super Star for?
First Quarter (January – March) 2017

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I arrived to our scheduled “staff meeting” and was greeted by smiling faces, balloons and a red carpet. When I entered the meeting everyone yelled “Congratulations!” Confused, I responded, “For what?” That’s when I learned I had won the super star award. I was completely surprised!

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It’s extremely rewarding to be recognized by such a great team of hard working individuals who I admire and enjoy working with. Throughout my 10 years with Texas Children’s, I have been surrounded by influential people – from preceptors to coworkers to managers to providers. These people have mentored me and continually challenged me to do more. And when new opportunities at Texas Children’s have presented themselves, they’ve encouraged me to continue moving forward in my career. If not for the excellent and supportive people that I’ve had the privilege of working with at Texas Children’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A super star is a person who leaves you with a memorable impression. They actively listen to others. They do more than what is asked of them. They strive to provide quality patient care. And they do all of these things with a smile.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My motivation is my team, our patients, and our patients’ families. I strive every day to make our clinic an enjoyable place to work. I also work very hard to ensure that our patients and their families have a positive experience. When my team is happy and our patients are happy, I’m happy!

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
For me, the best thing about Texas Children’s is the children. No matter their circumstance, they still manage to smile and be kids. Their resilience is empowering!

What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
It means that Texas Children’s cares about the success of its employees. That we are all considered leaders is a testament to the investment that Texas Children’s has made in each of us by providing us the training, support, and resources that we need to help carry out our fundamental mission: “To create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community by leading in patient care, education and research.” What is your leadership definition? Leadership means listening to, inspiring, and empowering others. Leadership is serving the people around you by giving them the tools they need to be successful.

Anything else you want to share?
I am proud to work at Texas Children’s and am looking forward to continuing to grow here.

July 17, 2017

More than 50 Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands employees, physicians and their families loaded up on an oversized “wagon” and participated in the South Montgomery County July 4th parade. The annual event attracted more than 18,000 spectators who lined the 1.3 mile parade route through The Woodlands.

With over 150 parade entries competition was tough, but Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands came away with two top wins: “Best Youth Entry” and “Facebook Fan Favorite.”

“There’s only so many things you can do with a float, but we fell in love with the wagon idea because we use wagons all over the hospital to transport our patients,” said The Woodlands Community Liaison Jenny Hiser, adding there were many creative entries from other organizations. “And for this being our first year, we felt really honored to be able to win anything. It was totally unexpected.”

While some were riding on the “wagon,” others were walking along the side handing out patriotic pinwheels, tattoos, and fliers with information about the hospital.

“Although it was a hot day, my daughter and I enjoyed being a part of this community event with our Texas Children’s The Woodlands family,” said The Woodlands President Michelle Riley-Brown. “I am looking forward to doing it again next year!”