November 27, 2023

When a crisis happens, we need to respond quickly to mitigate risks and keep people safe. Having the right information readily accessible can make all the difference. While everyone is encouraged to review emergency procedures as a best practice in case of emergency, there are resources available to help in the moment.

Emergency Operations Plans
  • Updated Red Booklets. In the Meyer Building, Medical Center, West and The Woodlands campuses, and soon to be in the North Austin campus, floors are equipped with red booklets containing emergency preparedness procedures. Teams are in the process of replacing outdated versions with updated booklets. New sections include Workplace Violence and Active Attacker.
  • New MyEOP Mobile Application. There is a new mobile application available containing content from the red booklets. This is available for anyone to download and reference. For those at locations without the red booklets, including Health Plan, TCPs/UCs and specialty locations, it is highly encouraged to download. Instructions are below for each area.
    • Hospitals
    • TCP/TCUC/The Centers
    • Health Plan
  • Organizational Resilience SharePoint. The red booklets are also available to view/download on the new Organizational Resilience SharePoint site.

Please reach out to any of the contacts listed on the SharePoint site for assistance.

February 12, 2021

Monday, February 22, 2021 4:17 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 12

With many Texas Children’s locations resuming normal operations, please see our latest and final operational update for this event. If you have questions moving forward about your specific area, please follow-up with your leader.

Medical Center Campus

  • The Medical Center has completed flushing its systems, meaning the water is safe to use for toilet flushing, bathing, hand washing, and drinking (from the tap). Work is still in progress to replace filters on our ice machines and coffee pots, and we expect this to be completed at all locations by Saturday, February 27. When a machine has been cleared for use, it will be marked as available.

West Campus

  • Water service has been completely restored and our building’s water lines have been flushed, meaning the water is safe to use for toilet flushing, bathing, hand washing, and drinking (from the tap). We are awaiting service on our espresso machine, so the Coffee Spot will not be able to offer made-to-order beverages at this time. We will send a message to West Campus employees and providers as soon as this machine is back in service.

Woodlands Campus

  • All normal operations have resumed.

Specialty Cares

  • Specialty Care Bellaire will resume normal operations tomorrow, February 23.
  • All other operations have resumed.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP) and Urgent Cares

  • Austin locations. Earlier today, the City of Austin partially lifted its boil water notice for much of the area. Today, Texas Children’s is flushing the lines at impacted facilities, as well as changing out any filters in our ice machines. Until an all-clear is issued to staff, please refrain from drinking any water from taps, ice machines, etc.
  • TCP. Will resume normal operations at most locations across Houston. Sites should have completed all flushing of their water lines this morning.
  • Urgent Cares. Will resume normal operations at most locations across Houston and Austin. Sites should have completed all flushing of their water lines last night and into today for some of our Austin locations.

Health Plan

  • The 6330 Building and Beaumont office have both resumed normal operations; however, ice machines at both locations will remain down until filters have been replaced. Employees in Tyler, TX, continue to be impacted by a boil water notice. As such, these employees are still advised to use water for toileting, bathing and handwashing; however, after handwashing please continue using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a final step. Once the water system has stabilized, Texas Children’s will flush the lines and change out any filters in our ice machines.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • All normal operations have resumed.

Lynda Tyer-Viola
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Sunday, February 21, 2021 4:50 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 11

Thank you for your ongoing efforts in responding to the recent weather events. At this time, the Houston-area has lifted its boil water advisory.

Now that this action has taken place, Texas Children’s will undergo its own internal processes to determine water safety at its Houston-area locations, which involves flushing the water lines and changing out the filters in our ice machines.

Until further notice, please continue to follow the procedures below:

  • Ice machines, refrigerator water dispensers and coffee machines in locations impacted by a boil water advisory should not be used.
  • Staff may utilize the water supply for toileting, bathing, and handwashing; however, after handwashing please continue to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a final step.
  • You are still encouraged to bring any drinks you may need for work.

Thank you again for your support. Please be sure to follow all City guidance on the steps you should take at your homes to ensure the safety of personal water usage.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Friday, February 19, 2021 5:35 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 10

As we approach the weekend, power has been restored across much of Texas and we are seeing improved weather forecasts for the coming days and into next week. At the same time, we continue to monitor our water status at all impacted facilities and ask for patience and support among our team members as we take steps to ensure a safe environment for our employees and patients. Please see below for operational updates.

Medical Center Campus

  • Several outpatient clinics will open tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 20, including our Vaccine Clinic, and we plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Feb. 22. Leaders have contingency plans in place, if needed.
  • Staff may continue to utilize the water supply for toileting, bathing and handwashing; however, after handwashing please be sure to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a final step. Once the water system has stabilized, Texas Children’s will flush the lines, change out the filters at our ice machines and then test the water. Until an all-clear is issued to staff, please do not drink any water from taps, ice machines, etc. Bottled water for drinking is available. For more information, please connect with your leader.

West Campus

  • Several outpatient clinics will open tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 20, including our Vaccine Clinic. Drive-through COVID-19 testing will also be available. We plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Feb. 22.
  • The water issues experienced at West Campus as a result of the weather have significantly improved, but not yet returned to normal conditions. At this time, staff may utilize the water supply for toileting, bathing and handwashing; however, after handwashing please continue to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a final step. Once the water system has stabilized, Texas Children’s will flush the lines, change out the filters at our ice machines and then test the water. Until an all-clear is issued to staff, please do not drink any water from taps, ice machines, etc. Bottled water for drinking is available. For more information, please connect with your leader.

Woodlands Campus

  • In addition to resuming normal operations today, Friday, Feb. 19, several outpatient clinics will open tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 20, including our Vaccine Clinic. Drive-through COVID-19 testing will also be available.

Specialty Cares

  • We plan to resume normal operations for all Specialty Care locations on Monday, Feb. 22.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP) and Urgent Cares

  • TCP. More than 30 TCP locations are open today with limited availability and may be operating on alternate time schedules. These locations are all listed on the TCP Facebook page. We will also post updates regarding additional availability for Saturday and Sunday on our Facebook page once that information is available. As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits are available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.
  • Urgent Cares. Currently, Texas Children’s Urgent Care sites at the Medical Center Campus, West Campus, The Woodlands Campus, Panther Creek, Kingwood, Vintage, Fairfield, Cinco Ranch, Pearland and East are all open for in-person care until 9 p.m. this evening. We will provide updates regarding availability for care through this weekend as soon as information is available. As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits are available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.

Health Plan

  • The 6330 Building has power and water, but does not have heat. The building is closed for the weekend and is expected to be available for Monday. A communication will be sent once the 6330 Building heating issue is resolved.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • We plan to resume normal operations on Monday, Feb. 22.

Please be sure to follow all City of Houston guidance on water consumption, which can be found online at Houston’s Office of Emergency Management website or various local news outlets. Please continue to check in advance for information on conditions and road closures, through sites like Houston Transtar, and stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Thursday, February 18, 2021 5:30 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 9

Although conditions are beginning to improve across much of Texas, power continues to remain out for many and it will take some time before water is fully restored across all of our operational areas. Additionally, cold temperatures remain forecasted for much of the State, especially during the overnight hours. As such, please continue to stay safe, whether at work or at home.

Reminder to Track Remote Work Hours

During this weather event, leaders have notified team members who are able to work remotely. In many cases, because of power outages and water pressure issues, a lack of virtual visit volumes and other circumstances, remote work may not be available for employees.

  • If employees are not required on-site and remote work is unavailable, employees must take PTO, or in the case of some non-exempt staff, they can opt to take unpaid time off.
  • Employees are instructed to check in with their leaders if they are unsure of their remote work status.
  • Any leader or staff member working remotely must use the ATK code for remote work hours. Instructions on how to use ATK code are located here. All employees should complete this process for any remote work days this week by Friday, Feb. 19 at 12 p.m. to ensure accurate timecards for this pay period.

Operational Updates

Medical Center Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19, with the exception of a limited number of Cancer Center appointments, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Friday, Feb. 19 are also being rescheduled.
  • Our Medical Center Campus has seen significant improvements with water pressure, but has not yet returned to normal conditions. At this time, staff may utilize the water supply for toileting, bathing, and handwashing; however, after handwashing please continue to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a final step. Once the water system has stabilized, Texas Children’s will flush the lines, change out the filters at our ice machines and then test the water. Until an all clear has been issued to staff by Texas Children’s, do not drink any water from taps, ice machines, etc. Bottled water for drinking is available in ample quantities. For more information, please connect with your leader.

West Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19 were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Friday, Feb. 19 are also being rescheduled.
  • Our West Campus continues to experience water pressure issues as a result of the weather. As such, employees on-site are asked to practice conservation efforts. We will continue to monitor this situation and may make additional operational adjustments should the problem persist. Until an all clear has been issued to staff by Texas Children’s, do not drink any water from taps, ice machines, etc. Bottled water for drinking is available in ample quantities. For more information, please connect with your leader.

Woodlands Campus

  • We will resume normal operations on Friday, Feb. 19. This includes in-person clinical appointments, as well as scheduled procedures and imaging visits.

Specialty Cares

  • Texas Children’s Specialty Care Kingwood will resume normal operations on Friday, Feb. 19. Due to intermittent power and water issues, the remaining Specialty Care locations will be closed for in-person visits, and virtual appointments will be limited, on Friday, Feb. 19.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP) and Urgent Cares

  • TCP. We are currently assessing power and water supply at each of our locations and will provide an update directly to employees regarding opening for Friday, Feb. 19 through this weekend.
  • Urgent Cares. Currently, Texas Children’s Urgent Care sites at The Woodlands and Fairfield are open for in-person care until 6 p.m. this evening. We will provide updates regarding availability for care on Friday, Feb. 19 and through this weekend as soon as information is available.

Health Plan

  • The 6330 Building continues to experience water and power issues. Health Plan employees should continue to work remotely if they are able to, and communicate with their leader if they are without power.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • The Centers will open on Friday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. to provide care for critical OB and pediatric patients who could not be seen earlier this week.

Please be sure to follow all City of Houston guidance on water consumption, which can be found online at Houston’s Office of Emergency Management website or various local news outlets. Please continue to check in advance for information on conditions and road closures, through sites like Houston Transtar, and stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell 
Emergency Management

 

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 3:00 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 8

As the Houston community continues to navigate water pressure and power issues, we wanted to provide an update on our operations for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Fri, Feb. 19. Thank you for your continued efforts to conserve resources and support each other as we navigate this event together.

Operational Updates

Medical Center Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 19, with the exception of a limited number of Cancer Center appointments, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 are also being rescheduled.
  • Our Medical Center Campus is currently experiencing water pressure issues as a result of the weather. As such, employees on-site will be asked to practice conservation efforts. For more information, please connect with your leader. We will continue to monitor this situation and may make additional operational adjustments should the problem persist.
  • Shuttles will be available at Garage 19 beginning tomorrow morning at normal times. Employees should return to normal parking locations. Entrance gates to Garages 16 and 21 will be closed at 8 p.m. tonight. Exit gates to Garages 16 and 21 will be closed at 6 p.m. Thursday after employees who are already parked there have an opportunity to exit.

West Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 19 were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 are also being rescheduled.
  • Our West Campus is currently experiencing water pressure issues as a result of the weather. As such, employees on-site will be asked to practice conservation efforts. For more information, please connect with your leader. We will continue to monitor this situation and may make additional operational adjustments should the problem persist.

Woodlands Campus

  • We are currently assessing continued power and water supply at our Woodlands Campus and will provide an update to impacted employees regarding appointments and procedures scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 as soon as updated weather information is available for what we expect to experience Thursday morning.

Specialty Cares

  • We are currently assessing power and water supply at each of our Specialty Care locations and will provide an update to impacted employees regarding appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 as soon as information is available.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP) and Urgent Cares

  • TCP. On Thursday, Feb. 18, all Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations, including those in Austin and College Station, will be closed. Due to power outages, video visits will also be limited.
  • Urgent Cares. On Thursday, Feb. 18, all Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations, including our location in Austin, will be closed. Due to power outages, video visits will also be limited.

Health Plan

  • The 6330 Building is currently experiencing water and power issues. Health Plan employees should continue to work remotely if they are able to, and communicate with their leader if they are without power.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 will be rescheduled.

Please be sure to follow all City of Houston guidance on water consumption, which can be found online at Houston’s Office of Emergency Management website or various local news outlets. Please continue to check in advance for information on conditions and road closures, through sites like Houston Transtar, and stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 10:30 a.m.

Inclement weather update no. 7

Like many other businesses and residences in the area, Texas Children’s Hospital’s Medical Center and West Campuses are currently experiencing water pressure issues as a result of the winter weather, and are also responding to boil water notices that have gone into effect for Houston and several other municipalities. As a result, we have implemented conservation efforts to support the needs of our patients, families, team members and community. At this time, we are effectively managing this situation and will continue to closely monitor this impact.

Water Conservation Efforts

Ice machines, refrigerator water dispensers and coffee machines should not be used. Signage has been posted.

All non-water beverages in the Food Court will be sold, beginning at 12 p.m. today, at an additional 25% discount to any Texas Children’s badge holder.

Since we are prioritizing the use of bottled water for patients and families, you are encouraged to bring water you may need to work. We will keep you updated once the water status changes.

Pay Practices, Reporting to Work On-Site

Our number one priority continues to be maintaining a safe environment for our employees and patients. Leaders across the system are assessing the situation at every facility and responding accordingly.

Enhanced Pay Practices, including Off-Shift Pay, are extended until 7 p.m., Thursday, February 18. To learn more about the program, click here.

For those of you in non-clinical and support areas, please check with your leader whether you should be reporting to work at a Texas Children’s location. Due to limited supplies, we ask for those not required to be on-site, as determined and communicated by your leader, to please stay home. If you are required to report to work, please bring your own food and drinks.

More information will be coming soon regarding closures and any potential impacts on our workforce and operations. Please be attentive to your emails, texts, and Connect to stay informed of this evolving situation.

Thank you again for your support. Please be sure to follow all City of Houston guidance on water consumption, which can be found online at Houston’s Office of Emergency Management website or various local news outlets. Please also continue to check in advance for information on conditions and road closures, through sites like Houston Transtar, and continue to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 4:15 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 6

Texas Children’s is continuing to monitor the forecast, including the potential for a new wintry storm affecting much of Texas beginning later tonight through 6 a.m. Thursday. While temperatures are expected to rise for the remainder of the afternoon, residents continue to go without power, creating numerous hazards for our communities. For additional updates on our response, please see below.

Enhanced Pay Practices Update

Inpatient, Emergency Center and Open Outpatient Areas

Texas Children’s has retroactively initiated a special pay program for staff who work in Inpatient, Emergency Center and any open outpatient areas:

  • Non-exempt, eligible staff in these areas who are working on-site at a Texas Children’s location will be paid time and a half for all on-duty shifts beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 through 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.
  • Eligible job codes are located here.

Other Non-exempt staff

Non-exempt staff working on-site at a Texas Children’s location who are not eligible for the pay program above will receive a $5/ hour differential for all on-duty hours between 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Off-Shift Pay

Texas Children’s has retroactively implemented Off-Shift Pay (also known as Sleep Pay) at all campuses for employees who opt to stay on-site at a Texas Children’s facility to ensure shift coverage the following day. Off-Shift Pay is effective 5 p.m. Sunday, February 14, and will continue until further notice.

Please review the attached Frequently Asked Questions for more details about the Off-Shift Pay Program and relevant timekeeping procedures.

  • Only non-exempt employees working on-site at a Texas Children’s location qualify for Off-Shift Pay, and must use a manual clock when working on site to ensure accurate Off-Shift Pay. Detailed instructions for clocking during an Off Shift are attached.
  • Off-Shift pays at an employee’s regular hourly rate when an employee is not engaged in work and is able to pursue personal activities, including but not limited to sleep, but still remains on site. Shift differentials and other special pay practices do not apply when an employee is on an Off Shift.
  • For those employees who went Off-Shift at or after 5 p.m., Sunday, their leader will need to update their timecard. Additional instructions will be provided in a future leader communication. Off-Shift Kronos buttons are now available in Kronos.

Remote Workers

Leaders have notified team members who are able to work remotely during this weather event. In many cases, there is not remote work available for employees because of power outages, a lack of virtual visit volumes and other circumstances. This may have changed in some areas since this event began. If employees are not required on-site and remote work is unavailable, employees must take PTO, or in the case of some non-exempt staff, they can opt to take unpaid time off. Employees are instructed to check in with their leaders if they are unsure of their remote work status. Any leader or staff member working remotely must use the ATK code for remote work hours. Instructions on how to use ATK code are located here.

Operational Updates

Medical Center Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, with the exception of a limited number of Cancer Center appointments, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Wednesday, Feb. 17 are also being rescheduled. Sleeping accommodations and parking availability remain the same.
  • We have responded to weather-related incidents of water damage in a few areas across the campus. We greatly appreciate our staff who moved quickly to handle the issues and are happy to report that our patients, families and employees are safe and dry.

West Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Wednesday, Feb. 17 are also being rescheduled. Sleeping accommodations for employees remain available.
  • Our West Campus is currently experiencing water pressure issues as a result of the weather. As such, employees on-site will be asked to practice conservation efforts. For more information, please connect with your leader. We will continue to monitor this situation and may make additional operational adjustments should the problem persist.

Woodlands Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Wednesday, Feb. 17 are also being rescheduled. Sleeping accommodations for employees remain available.

Specialty Cares

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP) and Urgent Cares

  • TCP. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations, including those in Austin and College Station, will be assessing local road and building conditions. Opening schedules will be communicated by leadership and determined on a site-by-site basis. Those with power and safe road conditions will plan for a 10 a.m. start time. As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits are available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.
  • Urgent Cares. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, all Houston-area Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations will operate during amended hours, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. At this time, the team is assessing options for Wednesday, Feb. 17 for Texas Children’s Urgent Care Westgate in Austin. As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits are available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.

Health Plan

  • The 6330 Building is currently experiencing water issues. Please continue to work remote Wednesday and potentially Thursday.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 17, were either converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

Please also check in advance for information on conditions and road closures, through sites like Houston Transtar, and continue to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Monday, February 15, 2021 4:50 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 5: Special Pay Program

In response to current and anticipated weather conditions, Texas Children’s has retroactively initiated a pay program for staff who work in Inpatient, Emergency Center and any open outpatient areas:

  • Non-exempt staff in these areas who are working on-site at a Texas Children’s location will be paid time and a half for all on-duty shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, February 15 through 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 17.
    • Non-exempt staff in other areas of the organization who are called in to work in clinical areas will also be eligible for this pay program.
    • Anyone with questions about eligibility should contact their leader.
  • As communicated earlier today, Texas Children’s has also retroactively implemented Off-Shift Pay (also known as Sleep Pay) at all campuses for employees who opt to stay on-site at a Texas Children’s facility to ensure shift coverage the following day. Off-Shift Pay is effective 5 p.m. Sunday, February 14, and will continue until further notice. Through Off-Shift Pay, any non-exempt employee who opts to stay on-site at a Texas Children’s facility, to ensure shift coverage the following day, will be paid at their normal hourly rate during non-working hours, excluding shift differentials and other special pay. Off-Shift Pay is also available for staff who opt to come in early for their shifts.

Our number one priority continues to be maintaining a safe environment for our employees and patients. As such, please stay safe when traveling outdoors. If at any time you must navigate the roadways, please check in advance for information on conditions and closures, through sites like Houston Transtar. Also continue to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Monday, February 15, 2021 12:30 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 4

In response to current weather conditions, Texas Children’s has retroactively initiated Off-Shift Pay for all campuses (also known as Sleep Pay), effective 5 p.m., Sunday, February 14, and continuing until further notice. Through Off-Shift Pay, any non-exempt employee who opts to stay on-site at a Texas Children’s facility, to ensure shift coverage the following day, will be paid at their normal hourly rate during non-working hours, excluding shift differentials and other special pay. Off-Shift Pay is also available for staff who opt to come in early for their shifts.

We are in the process of updating time clocks and additional instructions on clocking in for Off-Shift Pay will be communicated to leaders and staff later today. In the interim, employees should notify their leaders if they will be staying on-site during off-shift or if they arrive early for their shift.

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.

Please see below for additional updates to your area.

Medical Center Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, with the exception of a limited number of Cancer Center appointments, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Tuesday, February 16, are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work today or tomorrow and prefer to stay at the hospital before or after your shift, sleeping accommodations are available.
    • Parking is available for team members in Garage 16 (Mark A. Wallace Tower), Garage 21 (Pavilion for Women/Legacy Tower) and 6624 Fannin (O’Quinn Towers). Parking is no longer available in Baylor Clinic (6620 Main St.). Parking gate arms will be lifted to ensure access in and out of the garages.
    • Employee screening is available on the 1st floor of Wallace Tower in addition to the regular screening stations in Legacy and Feigin Towers.
    • You will receive your sleeping assignment at check-in on the 3rd floor of Wallace Tower.

West Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Tuesday, February 16, are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work today or tomorrow and prefer to stay at the hospital before or after your shift, sleeping accommodations are available.
  • After you complete your screening, please proceed to the 1st floor conference center to receive your sleeping assignment and check-in.

Woodlands Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Tuesday, February 16, are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work today or tomorrow and prefer to stay at the hospital before or after your shift, sleeping accommodations are available.
  • Please connect with your leader to receive your sleeping assignment.

Specialty Cares

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics and Urgent Cares

  • TCP
    • On Tuesday, Feb. 16, all Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations, including those in Austin and College Station, will only offer video visits.
    • As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits will be available 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.
  • Urgent Cares
    • On Tuesday, Feb. 16, all Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations, including the location in Austin, will be closed.
    • As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits will be available 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., scheduled through MyChart or 832-822-2222.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

Our number one priority continues to be maintaining a safe environment for our employees and patients. As such, please stay safe when traveling outdoors. If at any time you must navigate the roadways, please check in advance for information on conditions and closures, through sites like Houston Transtar. Also continue to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

John Turner
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Sunday, February 14, 2021 12:55 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 3

With historically low temperatures and potentially hazardous conditions expected across much of our operating area beginning Sunday afternoon, Texas Children’s is continuing to monitor the weather to better understand what impacts we can expect from the incoming system.

At this time, the front appears to be moving faster than what was originally predicted. Given this, our leadership team will be meeting Monday morning to assess the latest weather models and will distribute an update afterwards to Texas Children’s team members on our operations and staffing plans for Tuesday. To review last night’s global update on our operational plans for today and Monday, please click here (or see below).

Our number one priority is in maintaining a safe environment for our employees and patients. As such, please stay safe when traveling outdoors, and stay informed on the latest weather forecasts, traffic and road conditions by visiting our Emergency Management Connect site, as well as the National Weather Service website.

Teresa Tonthat
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Saturday, February 13, 2021 8 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 2

According to the current forecast, much of Texas is expected to experience severe winter weather beginning Sunday evening and extending through Tuesday. The timing and impact of the event varies across the region; however, there remains the potential for historically low temperatures – as well as snow, ice and freezing rain – to impact many of Texas Children’s operational areas, especially Monday.

At this time, facilities in both Austin and Tyler are already experiencing closures and disruptions due to this winter event, while the largest accumulations of ice are currently forecasted to take place around Beaumont.

As a result of this event, we are experiencing – and are anticipating – several closures across our operations. If at any time an employee is unable to work their normal shift, he or she will be required to use their PTO or (for non-exempt employees) opt to take unpaid time off.

To learn more about how each of our operational areas is tailoring its response to best support the safety of our staff and patients, please take a moment to review the updates below.

Medical Center Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15, with the exception of a limited number of Cancer Center patient appointments, have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Monday, Feb. 15 are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work on Sunday, Feb. 14 or Monday, Feb. 15 and prefer to stay at the hospital after your shift on Sunday or before your shift on Monday, voluntary sleeping accommodations are available.
    • Parking is available for team members beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday in Garage 16 (Mark A. Wallace Tower), Garage 21 (Pavilion for Women/Legacy Tower) and Baylor Clinic (6620 Main St.). Parking gate arms will be lifted to ensure access in and out of the garages.
    • Employee screening will be available on the 1st floor of Wallace Tower beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday in addition to the regular screening stations in Legacy and Feigin Towers.
    • Please plan to arrive at check-in between 5 and 8 p.m. on Sunday. You will receive your sleeping assignment at check-in on the 1st floor of Wallace Tower.

West Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Monday, Feb. 15 are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work on Sunday, Feb. 14 or Monday, Feb. 15 and prefer to stay at the hospital after your shift on Sunday or before your shift on Monday, voluntary sleeping accommodations are available.
  • After you complete your screening, please proceed to the 1st floor conference center to receive your sleeping assignment and check-in.

Woodlands Campus

  • All in-person clinic appointments scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled. All scheduled procedures and imaging visits for Monday, Feb. 15 are also being rescheduled.
  • If you are scheduled to work on Sunday, Feb. 14 or Monday, Feb. 15 and prefer to stay at the hospital after your shift on Sunday or before your shift on Monday, voluntary sleeping accommodations are available.
  • Please connect with your leader to receive your sleeping assignment.

Specialty Cares

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

Texas Children’s Pediatrics and Urgent Cares

  • TCP
    • On Monday, Feb. 15, all Texas Children’s Pediatrics locations, including those in Austin and College Station, will only offer video visits.
  • Urgent Cares
    • On Sunday, Feb. 14, Texas Children’s Urgent Care will have modified hours of operations:
      • Community-based Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations, including the location in Austin, will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
      • Medical Center, West and Woodlands campuses will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • On Monday, Feb. 15, all Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations, including the location in Austin, will be closed.
    • As always, Texas Children’s Urgent Care video visits will be available 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., scheduled through MyChart.

The Centers for Children and Women

  • All in-person appointments scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15 have either been converted to a virtual visit or will be rescheduled.

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 will continue to monitor the weather and assess any possible impacts to you, our patients and their families, and will send additional global alerts as needed. For more information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, go to the Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

Teresa Tonthat
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

 

Friday, February 12, 2021 4:24 p.m.

Inclement weather update no. 1

With much of Texas predicted to experience severe cold weather conditions on Monday and Tuesday of next week, Texas Children’s is continuing to carefully monitor the forecast and assess our staffing needs for both patient care and non-patient-care areas of our operations.

Given the potential for freezing temperatures, ice and even snow, please take a moment to review the following guidance for your area and stay connected over the weekend as the system approaches.

Houston Area Operations – All System

  • Core Operational Areas, such as Nursing and other clinical support areas: Be prepared for 1:1 hand-offs during shift changes all day Monday, as well as Tuesday morning.
  • If weather conditions are severe, Leaders are advised to notify any staff members who are able to work remotely to please do so, and/or adjust their schedules as needed.

Houston & Austin Area Operations (TCP/UC)

  • TCP / TCUC Houston & Austin will shift in-person care to virtual on Monday, and continue to closely monitor weather for Tuesday.

East Texas Operations (TCHP)

  • Please consult with your leader regarding remote work expectations.

General Preparedness

As always, we depend on the resilience of our staff to support continued service to our patients and families. Please note the important reminders below for personal/home preparedness for this cold weather event:

  • Protect all and any exposed pipes, shut off and drain sprinkler systems. Open cabinet doors and closet doors to get as much heat against outside facing wall pipes as possible, beginning Sunday night. In some cases, the best course of action may be to shut off water to a structure and drain pipes overnight when water usage is low to avoid pipes freezing and bursting.
  • Heavily cover and protect any tropical vegetation, citrus, or vulnerable plants. Given the intensity of the freezing conditions, this will likely be a killing freeze for much of the tropical landscape of this region.
  • Pets should have proper shelter, food, and water. Normal water supplies will likely freeze over, including stock ponds and lakes.
  • Persons should plan to limit outdoor exposure Monday and Tuesday as wind chills will be dangerously cold for our region. Prolonged exposure could result in frostbite and/or hypothermia.

We encourage staff to exercise caution when navigating roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses, as water can freeze very quickly with a sudden drop in temperatures.

Please plan for additional travel time, and be sure to communicate with your leaders should your arrival to work be delayed due to the inclement weather conditions.

We will continue to monitor the weather and assess any possible impacts to you, our patients and their families, and will send additional global alerts as needed. For more information, including the latest weather, traffic and road conditions, go to the Emergency Management Connect site and the National Weather Service website.

Teresa Tonthat
Administrator On Call

James Mitchell
Emergency Management

June 7, 2020

Every year, the Department of Organizational Resilience holds a Hurricane Preparedness Bridge Event on The Auxiliary Bridge to offer tips on how to get ready for the year’s hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Due to COVID-19 and the safety measures Texas Children’s has put into place to protect our staff, patients and families during the pandemic, this year’s event has been moved online via Microsoft Teams Live. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Thursday, June 11, the event will include presentations from Texas Children’s Wellness Team and Employee Assistance Program, Texas Children’s Social Work Team, Texas Children’s Amateur Radio Team, Texas Children’s Decontamination Team, Organizational Resilience Team, Harris County Flood Control District, and the National Weather Service.

All presentations will repeat every 15-20 minutes with question and answer sessions. National Weather Service and Harris County Flood control district have two schedule sessions each.

To join the event, click here:

Social Work

Amateur Radio

EAP/Wellness

Organizational Resilience

Decontamination Team

Harris County Flood Control District Session 1: 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Harris County Flood Control District Session 2. 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.

National Weather Service Session 1. 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

National Weather Service Session 2. noon to 12:30 p.m.

There will be a virtual bridge event bingo game. Each presenter will end their presentation with a key word. You will write the key word down for that spot on the bingo card. When done, write your name and email address on the bingo card and email it in for a prize drawing. Instructions are on the card. Click here to view the bingo card.

The Department of Organizational Resilience also is offering virtual hurricane preparedness presentations to requesting departments. This year, these presentations will be given virtually via Microsoft Teams. To request a presentation, please email EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org.

For more information on how you can prepare for this year’s hurricane season, click here.

May 26, 2020

While we continue to safeguard our patients, families and staff from COVID-19, we must also make necessary preparations for this year’s hurricane season. According to StormGeo, Texas Children’s Meteorological data provider, the 2020 Hurricane Season, beginning June 1 and ending November 30, is expected to be above normal, producing up to eight hurricanes, four of which are predicted to be major storms.

Preparing for this year’s hurricane season will look much like it has in the past, but with a few tweaks due to the additional safety precautions and protocols we have in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These tweaks as well as tips on how to prepare yourself and your family for this year’s hurricane season are below.

“We understand that everyone is already in a heightened level of awareness and preparedness due to COVID-19. Hurricane season is something that occurs every year and we as an institution are consistently prepared and resilient no matter what it may bring,” said Aaron Freedkin with Emergency Management. “Texas Children’s has thorough hurricane plans in place and we are working to incorporate all appropriate COVID-19 precautions. Most importantly, we are confident that our One Amazing Team will rise to the occasion if we need to activate these plans.”

Employee Disaster Roster

First and foremost, we need employees to register for a team within the Employee Disaster Roster by June 12. Important considerations specifically for 2020:

  • Staff who are flexed down to zero hours will not be required to register at this time
  • Team selections should not be based on an employee’s current or future “flexed down” status
  • Staffing decisions will be based on business and clinical requirements at the time of the disaster declaration

If you have not already done so, please go to the Employee Disaster Roster in MOLI and make your 2020 selection for the Prep Team, Ride-Out Team, and/or Relief Team.  Any exemptions must be entered into the system and approved by your supervisor. Please contact the Organizational Resilience Department at EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org with questions.

Ride-Out

As mentioned above, the size of the Ride-Out Team this year should it be called to action could be significantly smaller than in the past due to decreased clinical activity and heightened safety precautions. In addition, Texas Children’s has historically provided on-site accommodations for Ride-Out Team members. These accommodations will still be available; however, they will take social distancing into account. Organizational Resilience is working with Infection Control, Facilities and the Incident Command Planning Section Leadership to finalize these considerations and determine how they will be implemented.

Preparedness Presentations and Bridge Event

Normally, Organizational Resilience gives in-person hurricane preparedness presentations to requesting departments. This year, these presentations will be given virtually via Microsoft Teams. To request a presentation, please email EmergencyMgmt@texaschildrens.org.

The annual Hurricane Preparedness Bridge Event will also be virtual this year via Microsoft Teams Live. The event, scheduled for June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include presentations from Texas Children’s Wellness Team, the Employee Assistance Program and the National Weather Service. Additional information about the virtual event will be communicated soon.

Personal Preparedness

When a storm or hurricane threatens, the best thing you can do is be prepared. That means getting your home and belongings ready to withstand wind and water, and ensuring the safety of your family, pets and loved ones. Once all of this is done, you can focus on helping our patients and families continue to receive the medical care they need. Here are some simple steps to help you get prepared.

Evacuation

  • Sign up for emergency alerts. You can find them at ready.gov/prepare.
  • Check with Texas Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management for evacuation routes near you.
  • Know where your nearest emergency shelters are. Download FEMA’s app at fema.org/mobile-app.
  • Keep your gas tank full and buy extra gasoline for your vehicle or generator. Be sure to store it safely in approved containers.

At Home

  • If necessary, board up your windows.
  • Keep gutters and drains free of debris.
  • Install “check valves” in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains.
  • Set your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest setting to make food last as long as possible without electricity.
  • Put containers of water in your freezer to fill up any extra space.
  • Fill bathtubs with water which can help with cleaning and flushing toilets.
  • Bring in all loose objects from your yard and patio.
  • Charge your cellphone and an extra battery. Buy a car charger if you haven’t already.
  • Program emergency contacts into your phone.
  • If you have an emergency generator, test it to make sure it works properly. Buy extra cans of gasoline in case of power loss after a storm.

Protect Important Documents

Store the following documents in clear, portable, airproof and waterproof containers:

  • Passports and Social Security cards.
  • Prescription information and immunization records.
  • Customer service phone numbers and account numbers for banks and credit cards.
  • Birth, marriage and death certificates.
  • Insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, bonds and other valuables.

Communication

  • During and after a crisis, people can become separated and communication lines can become jammed. Avoid chaos by developing a plan beforehand.
  • Establish a place to meet near home.
  • Select a friend or relative who lives outside the region to be your contact.
  • Take a cellphone charger when you evacuate.

Pantry

  • Water – Buy and store plenty of extra water.
  • Food – Purchase enough for at least three days.
  • Utensils -Don’t forget a hand-held can opener.
  • Fuel – Have wood, charcoal or propane handy.
  • Pets – Make sure you have extra food and water for your pets.
  • Medication – Refill prescriptions and have other regularly used medical supplies on hand.

Disaster Bag

If you are called to one of our locations to help keep operations up and running during a storm, you will want to take a piece of home with you to make your stay as safe and comfortable as possible. That’s why having a disaster preparedness bag ready to go is important. Here are some of the things you should pack.

  • Your Texas Children’s/Baylor employee badge
  • Sleeping bags or linens, blankets, and a pillow
  • Change of clothing, uniforms, undergarments and sleepwear
  • Comfortable shoes and socks
  • Personal toiletries, towels and washcloths
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Cash and small change
  • Nonperishable* food, special dietary requirements and snacks
  • Bottled water
  • Diversional activities (no electronic devices)
  • Phone, charger and list of important phone numbers
  • *Examples of nonperishable food items include:
    • Bottled water, Gatorade, box juices
    • Peanut butter
    • Nuts
    • Granola bars
    • Any type of breakfast bar
    • Baked beans
    • Tuna or other canned meats
    • Jerky
    • Crackers
    • Fruit cups
    • Fresh fruit, e.g., bananas, apples
    • Puddings
    • Hard candies
Update Your Information

Making sure your contact information is up to date in MOLI is key to receiving essential communications during a hurricane or other emergency. You don’t want to miss out on key information. To update your information, click here.

For more information, go to Texas Children’s Emergency Management page on Connect.

May 18, 2020

As COVID-19 hit, Medical Director of Emergency Management Dr. Brent Kaziny and members of Texas Children’s Facilities team raced to invent a new device that would better protect doctor’s nurses and patients during intubation procedures. Kaziny then open-sourced the novel product design for others to use, and found a manufacturing partner called Sawbones that put the “Airway/Respiratory Containment System” up for sale. Read more

July 23, 2019

On January 18, Project Pinball Charity donated a limited edition pinball machine to Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands to help entertain and ease the minds of patients and their families.

Project Pinball is a non-profit charity organization that places pinball machines in children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses to introduce therapeutic benefits to kids in a unique, fun, and engaging way.

“It is a distraction for children who want to get their mind off of being in the hospital, but also an opportunity to do something that gets you on your feet instead of staying on the bed or chair playing video games and watching television,” Manager of Emergency Management, Aaron Freedkin said. “Beyond that, therapeutically this machine can help with standing balance, hand-eye coordination, and building relationships between the patient and Child Life Specialists when they interact with each other on two-player games.”

The initial impulse behind this gift derived from Freedkin’s passion for both the Texas Children’s mission and playing pinball. After learning about Project Pinball Charity, he initiated contact and was ecstatic to find out that they would be able to donate a machine to Texas Children’s Hospital. From there, he managed the project with the charity. With additional help from a local arcade business, The Game Preserve, the community helped raise enough money for Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands to be the first hospital in Houston to receive this generous gift.

After about a 10-minute assembly process, representatives from Project Pinball Charity and The Game Preserve officially dedicated the new addition to the third floor Child Life Teen Room.

When asked why this donation was important to be a part of, Rusty Key, co-owner of The Game Preserve, pointed to the patients walking into the room to see the new game and said emotionally, “That is the reason. Just seeing their faces light up is why I work so hard to give back to the community.”

As a frequent pinball player in his spare time, 16-year-old patient Bobby Reeder made his way to be the first person to try the new pinball machine out.

“Before coming here, I didn’t know that the hospital even had one of these rooms, Reeder said. “I was so excited when I found out there was going to be a pinball machine.”

Project Pinball will maintain ownership of the machine when it comes to maintenance and will also train employees on simple repairs if necessary. Their dedication to providing patients with new therapeutic benefits and overall entertainment in the hospital is expected to expand to Texas Children’s West Campus and other hospitals in Houston.

The organization’s Senior Founder and Director, Daniel Spolar, expressed that his joy and passion towards donating to children’s’ hospitals is due to his own personal experience when his son was hospitalized.

“I know first-hand how it can be for children in these situations while my son was going through treatments. I want to do whatever I can to help ease their minds in the hospital while enjoying something that I can relate to,” Spolar said. “We are a grassroots company out of Florida whose purpose is to give back to the community, and we are excited to be able to expand to Texas Children’s Hospital.”

Texas Children’s Hospital has created Child Life activity spaces at each hospital to provide a fun, safe and procedure-free environment for our inpatient population and their families. The majority of the toys and gaming systems available for patients are generously donated from many community organizations. The latest donation serves as a new way for patients to have enjoyable activities during their stay.

“We are excited to have this new addition to our teen room! It is important for us to help patients cope and decrease any anxiety they may have, Child Life Specialist Amy Malespin said. “This pinball machine is yet another unique method of distraction for both patients and their families.”

May 6, 2019

Texas Children’s Emergency Management and Bone Marrow Transplant teams recently conducted their first full-scale radiation injury treatment exercise partnering with outside agencies to simulate their roles in a radiation-related event.

As a member of the Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN), Texas Children’s conducts annual exercises as part of our emergency preparedness activities. RITN is a system of hospitals affiliated with the National Marrow Donor Program providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for victims of radiation exposure. MD Anderson Cancer Center is the only other RITN member organization in the Greater Houston area.

“Over the past three years, the Emergency Management team at Texas Children’s has worked closely with the Radiation Injury Treatment Network to increase the fidelity and realism of the drills we have been conducting,” said Dr. Brent Kaziny, Medical Director of Emergency Management. “Developing plans for such hopefully never-in-our-lifetime events is one of the many responsibilities of Emergency Management. Seeing plans tested first as tabletop drills and eventually as full scale exercises allow us to pinpoint where improvements need to be made. Texas Children’s Hospital has come so far, and watching these plans become operational is extremely rewarding.” 

Texas Children’s Emergency Management Manager Aaron Freedkin agreed and said if there was a radiation event nearby, Texas Children’s would get many of the affected pediatric patients.” 

“That’s why it’s so important for us to practice and prepare for such an event,” Freedkin said. “Last week’s exercise gave us a great opportunity to do that.”

The seven-hour event was the first full-scale radiation injury treatment exercise the organization has participated in and tested our response following the mock detonation of an improvised nuclear device that sends patients requiring bone marrow transplant or supportive medical care to Houston by way of the National Disaster Medical System.

The exercise involved various outside local, state and federal agencies including the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, Veteran’s Affairs, and American Medical Response. The exercise began at Ellington Field, a joint military and civilian airport that would host the Patient Reception Center during a large-scale disaster. Run by the Veteran’s Affairs Federal Coordinating Center, the center would receive patients from outside Houston and coordinate available local resources.

Texas Children’s Bone Marrow Team Member Dr. John Craddock said understanding who the local players are and how to work with them is a great addition to the annual exercise, which typically has been a tabletop exercise with the exception of last year when it expanded to a large scale functional exercise involved Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands.

“This year, the exercise was full scale, giving us a more realistic idea of what we would be dealing with,” Craddock said. “I think it was very informative.”

During the exercise, Craddock and another members of the Bone Marrow Transplant team helped receive, triage and assign for transport to area hospitals 50 mock pediatric patients and 50 adult patients. The pediatric patients at Ellington Field were played by high school students from Friendswood High School. The adult patients at Ellington Field were played by adult volunteers from various civic groups including Bay CERT, a local Community Emergency Response Team.

The second half of the exercise took place on the fourth floor of the Pavilion for Women, part of which was turned into a Patient Reception Center for the patients coming to Texas Children’s Hospital for evaluation and/or treatment. Those mock patient and their family members were played by DeBakey High School students and saw members of our pathology, chaplain, social work, patient experience and case management teams before being transferred to a patient care room if necessary.

“This is the first time we’ve simulated going from plane to hospital,” said James Mitchell director of Organizational Resilience and Emergency Management. “Going through the entire process really expanded our knowledge about how this would work.”