March 31, 2018

 

Texas Children’s Security Services has been informed that an armed robbery of a Texas Children’s employee occurred Saturday, March 31, on the B4 level of Garage 21 at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women.

No one was injured, however authorities with the Texas Medical Center, which owns and manages the garage, and the Houston Police Department were notified and are investigating the incident.

At Texas Children’s, the safety and security of our patients, families, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors is of the highest priority. We have increased our security presence in all of our garages and, as always, Texas Children’s Security officers are available to escort employees to their cars. For escorts, call the Service Response Center at 4-5400 or ask an officer for assistance.

Everyone is advised to be extra vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or the Texas Medical Center Police Department at 713-795-0000.

July 19, 2016

72016pokemon640In light of the recent Pokémon GO craze, Texas Children’s wants to remind employees about our policies and our continued responsibility to promote a safe environment for our patients and their families while they are in our care.

A recently released mobile game called Pokémon GO encourages players to use their smartphones’ GPS and cameras to catch virtual Pokémon in various and unexpected locations. This game encourages players to wander in public places in search of Pokémon characters.

It has been reported the app is being downloaded and played at Texas Children’s locations, and some Pokémon characters are showing up at our locations including patient care and secured areas. As a result, this could potentially lead to many unsafe situations for our patients, their families and our employees. This includes:

Patient and family safety
  • Patients leaving their patient care areas without telling caretakers or parents
  • Patients entering unsecure/dangerous areas
  • Patient photos being posted to social media without knowledge/consent
  • Strangers entering Texas Children’s facilities with the sole reason to play Pokémon GO
  • Malware affecting their smartphones
Employee risks
  • All of the above
  • Leaving patient care areas
  • Violation of the following:
  • Use of Social Media Policy
  • Wireless Acceptable Use IM Policy
  • Employee Conduct Policy
  • Patient Photography Procedure
  • Patient Photography Policy
Information Services (IS) risks
  • App’s ability to compromise network’s security
  • Malware infecting the network
  • Productivity loss

There are no acceptable circumstances where the app may be downloaded or played at any Texas Children’s location.

Please be aware of the above risks and possible policy violations. IS has put measures in place to block this application from our networks; however, individuals may still have access to the app via their personal data plans. Information will be distributed to patients and families as well.

February 25, 2014

The latest issue of IS Technology News is now available online. Click here to view important technology news and helpful information such as:

  • How IS protects Texas Children’s against cyber security threats (and what you can do at home!)

Recent data breaches by major retailers exposed security vulnerabilities, and put millions of consumers at risk for spam, phishing and malware. Texas Children’s faces similar threats, so Information Services (IS) uses a combination of programs, policies and practices to protect both the organization and its individual employees and patients. In fact, many information security best practices can also protect you at home!

  • The IS Customer Support Portal has a fresh look and helpful new features. Check it out!
  • Enhance security and access to your favorite web sites with an (easy) update to Internet Explorer 8
  • Locked out of your computer? Never again with Password Reset!
  • Windows 7 migration benefits – they’re for everyone!

Please visit the Information Services Connect site for more helpful technology tips, updates and information.