Many were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident on Oct. 22 at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Any news of this kind is unsettling, but this one hits especially close to home as fellow Texans and health care workers. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by these unspeakable events.
Update on safety and security measures
Texas Children’s is investing in tools, processes and protocols across the system that will proactively address and inhibit threats like these, including.
- Planned installation of a weapons detection overlay on our video surveillance system that will allow us to detect firearms and other weapons without the use of metal detectors.
- Installation of bullet resistant film on windows and doors in high risk locations such as emergency centers, administrative offices, etc. Leaders may request a review of their areas if they feel they are high risk.
- All TCH security officers are being trained in the specialized management and de-escalation of behavioral health incidents.
- Security officers will be positioned on all first floor entrance locations at all hospital facilities. Urgent Care locations are currently staffed with an officer, as well as the Meyer and West Loop locations.
- Placing 115 additional security personnel at The Woodlands, West Campus, TCPs, Specialty Care sites and The Medical Center. Recruitment begins this week.
- Security Services will expand the city-wide Community Patrol model from four to eight active patrols consistently checking on sites and their occupants in Houston, as well as a single patrol in Austin.
- Implemented mitigation strategies to increase employee safety and decrease vehicle theft on community campuses to include restricted parking garage access, required identification, license plate recognition and justification for being onsite.
- Completed seven active shooter drills and 19 active shooter simulations since August 25, 2022 with additional drills and simulations scheduled between now and December 31, 2022.
- Stood up a Threat of Violence Task Force to assess our progress, identify opportunities and understand the employee experience as it relates to safety.
These measures will help safeguard our team members, but everyone needs to play a role in safety and security. We need to continue to take care of each other. Everyone is empowered to listen to their intuition, trust their gut and use their voice when something doesn’t feel right. No one should worry about hurting each other’s feelings when it comes to watchful safety. Our desire to be nice can get in the way of being safe. If you see something, say something.
Safety tips
- Opt in for emergency management communications delivered straight to your cell phone by texting the word “RESUME” to our SMS code “89361.”
- Do not prop doors open or allow others to tailgate as you pass through a secured door.
- Request to see credentials of unknown persons accessing restricted areas.
- Be on the lookout for unusual behaviors.
- Call a Security Services escort if you feel unsafe (ext. 4-5400).
- Contact Security Services (ext. 4-5400) if you or others are being threatened by an aggressive or erratic individual.
Workplace violence training in HealthStream
The Security Services and Organizational Resilience teams have been conducting active shooter training across the organization to help prepare our employees in case we’re ever faced with those situations. Since in-person training cannot be attended by everyone, a new, workplace violence training course launched Oct. 31 in HealthStream to provide an overview on what workplace violence is, how to report it, as well as how to respond to those situations with de-escalation techniques.
Employee support resources
If you are struggling to cope with this event and need help, Texas Children’s Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and other services. Our new workforce chaplains are also available to talk if you need them. Please call them at 832-824-3327 or email Sarah “Tuba” Alpat: stalpat@texaschildrens.org or Cletus Aakol: ckaakol@texaschildrens.org.
Recently, our workforce chaplains hosted a webinar to introduce themselves and their services, to explain how spiritual well-being can help our workforce live as their best selves in their personal and professional lives. There are additional webinars available in the coming weeks.