August 27, 2020, 7:15 am
Texas Children’s discontinues ride-out and Emergency Pay Practices
Weather conditions in and around the Greater Houston area remain calm, so we are discontinuing ride-out activation and Emergency Pay Practices at 7 a.m. this morning.
Although Hurricane Laura did not greatly affect the Greater Houston area, we thoroughly prepared for the worst-case scenario, and are grateful for everyone’s detailed planning. Our neighbors in Beaumont did experience effects of Hurricane Laura, and Health Plan leadership will be working diligently today to ensure the safety of our members in that area.
Return of cots
We need your help in returning cots quickly so we can transition the spaces used for sleep accommodations back to normal operations. For those who stayed overnight in Mark A. Wallace Tower or the Pavilion for Women, please return your cleaned cots to the service elevator lobbies so they may be picked up. For those who stayed overnight at West Campus and Woodlands Medical Office Buildings, please follow instructions from local leadership for returning cots.
Labor Pool shifts
Please connect with your Labor Pool leader to determine needs and schedules for today. All Labor Pool shifts will return to normal schedules tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 28.
Operational updates
Thursday, Aug. 27
Today’s outpatient clinic appointments and elective surgeries at all three hospitals were rescheduled, and Texas Children’s Specialty Care locations in and around the Greater Houston area are closed today.
All Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations in and around the Greater Houston area are closed for in-person appointments today, but video visits via MyChart are available. Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations will open and operate during normal business hours.
Texas Children’s Health Plan The Center for Children and Women locations are closed today.
Friday, Aug. 28
All Texas Children’s locations will be open and return to normal operations tomorrow.
For the most up-to-date information, visit texaschildrens.org/weather.
Parking, screening and shuttle services
All Texas Children’s employees arriving at the Medical Center Campus should continue parking in Garage 19 and take advantage of our shuttle services, which returned to normal operations today. Please continue appropriate social distancing practices while on the shuttles and while at all locations.
Please note, if you stayed the night and will be working a new shift today, you are required to be screened again. Please return to a screening location and receive a new colored wristband before starting a new shift.
Dining options
As a reminder, all Texas Children’s workforce members with a red or blue badge continue to receive a 25% discount on any food, snack or beverage purchase at various hospital locations.
Medical Center Campus
The Bistro is open today from 6:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. The Coffee Corner is open today from 6:30-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. The Food Court at Wallace Tower is closed today. Additionally, McDonald’s is operating normal business hours today. All dining options at the Medical Center Campus will return to normal operations tomorrow.
West Campus
Dot’s Kitchen is open today with limited options from 7-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. The Coffee Spot is closed today. All dining options at West Campus will return to normal operations tomorrow.
The Woodlands
The Café is open from 7:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. The Coffee Shop is closed today. All dining options at The Woodlands campus will return to normal operations tomorrow.
As we resume our business operations, we want you to know how very thankful we are for all you do. Your dedication and commitment to our patients, their families and each other is tremendous and we couldn’t be more proud of our One Amazing Team.
August 26, 2020, 7:15 pm
Texas Children’s ride-out plans updated; contact your leader
Texas Children’s Incident Command has amended our ride-out plans as weather conditions are looking more optimistic for our area. Please connect with your leader for more information.
Updated closures
For the most up-to-date closure information, visit texaschildrens.org/weather.
Wednesday, Aug. 26
Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations at Texas Children’s Hospital’s Medical Center Campus and Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus closed at 4 p.m. today. All other Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations in and around the greater Houston area are closed today.
Thursday, Aug. 27
All outpatient clinic appointments and elective surgeries at all three hospitals on Thursday, Aug. 27 are rescheduled. Also, Texas Children’s Specialty Care locations in and around the Greater Houston area tomorrow will be closed.
All Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations in and around the Greater Houston area will be closed for in-person appointments tomorrow, but video visits via MyChart will be an option.
Both Texas Children’s Health Plan The Center for Children and Women locations will be closed tomorrow as well.
Food options
As a reminder, all Texas Children’s workforce members with a red or blue badge continue to receive a 25% discount on any food, snack or beverage purchase at various hospital locations.
Medical Center Campus
All dining locations at the Medical Center Campus today are operating at normal business hours. The Food Court at Wallace Tower is open until 6:30 p.m. The Bistro and Coffee Corner are both open until 8 p.m.
Tomorrow, the Bistro is open from 6:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. The Coffee Corner and Food Court at Wallace Tower will be closed tomorrow.
West Campus
Dot’s Kitchen is open today and tomorrow with limited options: 7-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. The Coffee Spot is now closed and will remain closed for the duration of this weather event.
The Woodlands
The Café is open today and tomorrow: 7:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. The Coffee Shop is now closed and will remain closed for the duration of this weather event.
Screening and shuttle services
Please continue appropriate social distancing practices while at all locations, and note that screening is required at least every 24 hours throughout this weather event. You will need to return to a screening location and receive a new colored wristband before starting a new shift.
We currently have two shuttles running and additional shuttles will be brought online as soon as possible. Texas Children’s shuttle services will continue until 10 p.m.
Resources
More information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, is available on the Emergency Management Connect site and through the National Weather Service website. For more information about what you should do to prepare for inclement weather events, click here.
Thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families. We will continue to communicate additional updates as the situation warrants.
August 26, 2020, 10:30 am
Texas Children’s ride-out plans remain in place
Texas Children’s ride-out plans remain in place as Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall as a category 4 hurricane tonight. As a reminder, staff and employees assigned to the ride-out team or scheduled to work the night shift tonight need to be checked-in and on-site at your assigned location by noon today. All of these individuals, in addition to those working the day shift today, should be prepared to stay for the duration of the storm.
Click here for a helpful list of things to pack and additional ways you can prepare for the storm. If you are unsure of your assignment, please contact your leader.
Weather update
Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate beginning this evening. Hurricane Laura is forecasted to make landfall early Thursday as a powerful hurricane just west of Beaumont. Strong winds and heavy rainfall will likely follow along with possible isolated tornadoes. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, as well as some isolated flooding. Hurricane force winds, upwards of 120 mph, are also expected close to the storm’s center, along with possible tidal surges of 12 to 15 feet.
The Greater Houston area is expected to receive 2-4” of rain, with an isolated 4-6” east of I-45. Isolated flash flooding and tornadoes are also possible. Periods of heavy rain are anticipated tomorrow with 20-30 mph gusty winds across a majority of the area, with 40-50 mph gusts expected in eastern Harris and Montgomery counties. Improving conditions are anticipated by noon tomorrow.
Employee Health
Employee Health will be available throughout this event, including overnight, which is when Hurricane Laura is anticipated to make landfall. For everyone working on-site during the ride-out, if at any time you exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, please contact Employee Health and they will make arrangements for you to be safely isolated until weather conditions improve. During this time, a team will be available to monitor your symptoms, provide medical assistance and assess the need for COVID-19 testing, which may be conducted on-site. Should an employee’s medical condition require a higher level of care, we will have an immediate medical team on standby and our Employee Medical Clinic Physician will also be available.
Contact information for everyone on-site during ride-out, please see below.
- If I have COVID concerns or questions: 4-2150, option 4
- If I have an injury: 4-2150, option 2
If you are off-site during this event and either develop symptoms of COVID-19 or experience an exposure, please continue to contact Employee Health or Med Staff Services. If needed, you will be removed from any future work until a test can be performed. Our goal is to resume normal testing operations on Friday, Aug. 28, assuming it is safe to do so at our drive through testing site.
Contact information for those who are off-site during the event, please see below.
- If I have COVID concerns or questions: 4-2150, option 4
- BCM Employee: Contact Medical Staff Support Services at 832-824-7561
Pay Practices
In preparation for Hurricane Laura, Texas Children’s will be issuing a phased activation of our Emergency Pay Practices beginning today and lasting until this emergency event concludes. Starting at noon, all off-shift employees who are required to be on-site as part of the ride-out team will be asked to clock in at noon using this guidance so they may receive their regular pay. Beginning at 7 p.m., Emergency Pay practices will then activate for all other non-exempt employees who are working on-site at a hospital location. For more information on Emergency Pay, please reference the following documents: Emergency Pay Overview and Frequently Asked Questions.
Parking and screening
All Texas Children’s employees arriving at the Medical Center Campus should park in Garage 19 and take advantage of our shuttle services. As a reminder, employees who are returning to our facilities for work or labor pool shifts must stop at a screening checkpoint upon arrival. You will also receive a mask at these checkpoints. Please continue appropriate social distancing practices while in line for and riding the shuttle, and at all locations.
Please note, screening will be required at least every 24 hours throughout this weather event. You will need to return to a screening location and receive a new colored wristband before starting a new shift.
Beginning today, TMC will be allowing off-peak and remote contract parkers to park in the facilities listed below after noon.
- Garage 1
- Garage 2
- Garage 4
- Garage 6
- Garage 7
- Garage 10
- Garage 15
Contract parkers arriving after noon should pull a visitor parking ticket from the entry kiosk and proceed with parking. TMC will configure the access card to be valid at the exit, regardless of the departure time. Individuals can simply scan their parking access card at the exit and the gate will vend. Please discard your entry ticket after leaving the facility.
If there are any issues, please tap the “Help” button on the exit kiosk to contact TMC’s 24/7 Operations Center or call 713-791-6161. Individuals with a Smith Land’s, Smith Land’s South, South Extension Lot, or Off-Peak contract are eligible to enter these facilities after noon.
Additionally, TMC is modifying shuttle hours to comply with city and county requests for everyone to shelter in place until Hurricane Laura passes. Shuttles will stop operation at 4 p.m. today, and will resume when conditions have returned to a safe level. Any individual who parked in Smith Land’s, Smith Land’s South, or South Extension Lot should move their vehicle prior to 4 p.m.
Closures
For the most up-to-date closure information, visit texaschildrens.org/weather.
Resources
More information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, is available on the Emergency Management Connect site and through the National Weather Service website. For more information about what you should do to prepare for inclement weather events, click here.
Stay informed
We urge you to pay close attention to local media reports concerning weather conditions and make sure you stay up to date with Texas Children’s Emergency Management communications. These will be sent via texts, phone calls and emails through the Texas Children’s Notification System. Please make sure to update your personal information in MOLI with your current mobile phone number so you receive all messages in a timely manner. Here are the instructions for updating your information in MOLI.
It’s important we all remain calm, positive and mindful of our obligation to provide uninterrupted care for our patients and their families. We also want you to take care of yourself and remain safe.
Thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families. We will continue to communicate additional updates as the situation warrants.
August 25, 2020, 2:42 pm
Texas Children’s standing up ride-out team for storm
Texas Children’s Incident Command is establishing a ride-out team for what is now predicted to be a major hurricane, making landfall in our region overnight Wednesday, into Thursday.
Currently, weather conditions are expected to deteriorate beginning Wednesday evening. Hurricane Laura is forecasted to make landfall early Thursday as a major hurricane just west of Beaumont. It should then move quickly northward into the lower Mississippi Valley. Upon making landfall, strong winds and heavy rainfall will likely occur with isolated tornadoes a possibility. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, as well as some isolated flooding. Hurricane force winds, upwards of 120 mph, are also expected close to the storm’s center, along with possible tidal surges of 12 to 15 feet.
Preparation
For those who are assigned to the ride-out team, or for those scheduled to work the night shift on Wednesday, you need to be checked-in and on-site at your assigned location by noon Wednesday. All of these individuals, in addition to those working the day shift on Wednesday, should be prepared to stay for the duration of the storm. Use today to prepare your family, your home and your ride-out bag. Click here for a helpful list of things to pack and additional ways you can prepare for the storm. If you are unsure of your assignment, please contact your leader.
COVID-19 precautions
Your health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance. As such, to keep our facilities safe, we will adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and protocols, including screening upon arrival and every 24 hours thereafter, socially-distant sleep accommodations, and dedicated areas for employees who begin to experience COVID-19 symptoms. The departments of Organizational Resilience, Infection Control, Facilities and the Incident Command Planning Section have worked on these plans for months and are preparing to implement them prior to everyone’s arrival on Wednesday.
Parking and screening
All Texas Children’s employees arriving at the Medical Center Campus should park in Garage 19 and take advantage of our shuttle services. As a reminder, employees who are returning to our facilities for work or labor pool shifts must stop at a screening checkpoint upon arrival. You will also receive a mask at these checkpoints. Please continue appropriate social distancing practices while in line for and riding the shuttle, and at all locations.
Please note, screening will be required at least every 24 hours throughout this weather event. You will need to return to a screening location and receive a new colored wristband before starting a new shift.
Closures
We are continuing normal operations today across the system.
All outpatient clinic appointments scheduled for Wednesday in Mark A. Wallace Tower will be converted to a video visit or rescheduled to allow for sleeping accommodation preparations. All surgical cases, and all other outpatient appointments at the Pavilion for Women, Legacy Tower, West Campus and The Woodlands, will proceed as scheduled tomorrow. We anticipate outpatient clinic appointments and elective surgeries on Thursday will be rescheduled, but further guidance will be provided as we continue to monitor the storm’s track.
All decisions for community based locations – including Texas Children’s Pediatrics sites, Specialty Care locations and The Centers for Children and Women – will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Resources
More information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, is available on the Emergency Management Connect site and through the National Weather Service website. For more information about what you should do to prepare for inclement weather events, click here.
Stay informed
We urge you to pay close attention to local media reports concerning weather conditions and make sure you stay up to date with Texas Children’s Emergency Management communications. These will be sent via texts, phone calls and emails through the Texas Children’s Notification System. Please make sure to update your personal information in MOLI with your current mobile phone number so you receive all messages in a timely manner. Here are the instructions for updating your information in MOLI.
It’s important that we all remain calm, positive and mindful of our obligation to be here to provide uninterrupted care for our patients and their families. By the same token, we also want you to be safe. We rely on your judgment in these situations to balance the need for your presence here with our desire to ensure you are not putting yourself in harm’s way.
Thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families. We will continue to communicate additional updates as the situation warrants.
August 24, 2020, 5:55 pm
Texas Children’s preparing for storms brewing in Gulf
Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 23 Texas counties, including Harris County, as the state prepares for two storms brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. Texas Children’s leadership and the Department of Emergency Management are closely monitoring Tropical Storms Marco and Laura, both of which have the potential to affect east Texas and the greater Houston area.
Current storm updates
Marco is expected to make landfall in Louisiana later today. Minimal effects from that storm could be felt along the eastern Texas coast early Tuesday. About 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected. The forecast for Laura remains highly variable. Based on current data, the storm is expected to be upgraded to a potentially significant hurricane impacting western Louisiana or eastern Texas. However, the forecast storm path continues to drift westward making Houston a possibility for landfall on Thursday.
Be prepared
Leadership is tracking these weather patterns and is reviewing and updating preparedness plans accordingly to ensure alignment with all COVID-19 procedures and precautions. In the meantime, we urge you to pay close attention to local media reports concerning weather conditions. Staff members should prepare for 1-to-1 replacement if travel conditions are unsafe in and around our Texas Children’s locations. Please plan for additional travel time later this week, identify alternate routes, ensure your personal emergency preparedness bags are ready should we activate our response and our ride-out team is called to stay onsite, and have your personal plans in place.
Stay informed
In addition, make sure you stay up to date with Texas Children’s Emergency Management communications. These will be sent via texts, phone calls and emails through the Texas Children’s Notification System. Please make sure to update your personal information in MOLI with your current mobile phone number so you receive all messages in a timely manner. Here are the instructions for updating your information in MOLI.
Resources
More information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, is available on the Emergency Management Connect site and through the National Weather Service website. For more information about what you should do to prepare for inclement weather events, click here.
Thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families. We will communicate additional updates as the situation warrants.