Seven days a week, 363 days a year, Texas Children’s Urgent Care (UC) teams make pediatric health care possible at times that may otherwise be impossible – afternoons, evenings and weekends. Urgent Care Week, May 9 through 15, honors our dedicated UC team members and highlights their work providing the most compassionate care for patient families who have non-emergency yet pressing health care needs or questions.
UC team members will be unleashing their UC spirit all week with fun activities: team jersey Monday, crazy sock Tuesday, crazy headband Wednesday, twin Thursday, PJ’s and pizza Friday, Disney Saturday, and Superhero Sunday. Show your appreciation by celebrating along with them and thanking them for their wonderful work all year!
“I believe Urgent Care Week is a great time to celebrate the services we offer, but also to highlight the amazing care that our teams deliver every day,” said Terry Yen, Medical Director, Texas Children’s Urgent Care. “We know that the last couple of years have been incredibly difficult for many families, and it has been our honor and a privilege to continue to provide high quality patient care for the children of the greater Houston and Austin communities throughout this period. Acute illnesses and injuries often occur at the most unexpected and inconvenient times, and we strive to be there for families as an after-hours option and on the weekends to provide access to pediatric health care during their time of need – and when other services may be unavailable.”
“As part of Urgent Care Week, I also wanted to take a moment to praise our patient care teams,” Yen added. “Everyone has shown remarkable perseverance and dedication by stepping up during the pandemic despite their own personal hardships, and by working extremely long hours into the late evenings and on weekends to ensure that every child is cared for. They have truly exemplified our core value of ‘living compassionately’ by shifting the focus back to our patients during this unpredictable time.”
One Amazing Team serves growing pediatric urgent care needs of Houston and Austin communities
Texas Children’s Urgent Care sites are located at all three hospital campuses – Medical Center, West and The Woodlands, with seven locations throughout the Houston community (Pearland, Heights, East Houston, Kingwood, Cinco Ranch, Fairfield, Vintage) and at one location in South Austin.
These pediatric-centered spaces are designed to put kids at ease, with the same fun, brightly-colored, child-friendly décor seen throughout Texas Children’s. Board-certified pediatricians, advance practice providers, nurses and diagnostic technicians, along with front office and support staff build relationships with the families they serve for common pediatric illnesses and injuries including fever, cough, sore throat, ear pain, minor burn, sprain or strain. The urgent care locations perform procedures such as antibiotic injections, X-rays, stitches and sports physicals. Virtual care visits are another convenient option for parents. All services can be found on the Texas Children’s Urgent Care website.
By providing immediate care for common conditions, Texas Children’s UC teams help improve patient flow at our hospital campuses as well. Families seeking basic procedures will be triaged by a nurse and given the option to be seen at Texas Children’s UC for more convenient care that can be provided in a more cost effective setting for the patient. During COVID surges, UC teams were able to help ease the volume at our Emergency Centers by taking more patients and extending hours until 3 a.m. with our Virtual Care team.
“We operate together as a team,” explained Director of Urgent Care Clinical Operations Gary Macleod. “No matter what tool is in hand (mop or stethoscope), each team member plays an essential part in providing high-quality care for our Urgent Care patients and families.”
UC team members are passionate about working in a dynamic environment. Many of their stories about how they care deeply for patients and why they love their work have been shared on the Texas Children’s People website. There you can learn how their unique training and experience helps them thrive in an environment that involves practical listening and medical skills along with lots of smiles, quick thinking and de-escalation skills for situations that can arise when families are challenged with unknown circumstances.
“If you’ve ever visited one of our urgent care locations, you’ve experienced world class care, in a child friendly environment from team members who are passionate about providing exceptional care to our patients,” said Assistant Vice President of Urgent Care Kara Abrameit. “They have a unique ability to quickly develop relationships with our patients and families, making an often scary situation a pleasant experience. I am grateful for this #OneAmazingTeam who choose to share their time and talents with Texas Children’s Urgent Care and truly make a difference every day.”
As more bright, young physicians, nurses and other Texas Children’s medical staff find their career paths in pediatric urgent care, they have the opportunity to learn from our veterans who built our centers from the ground up. Together, they continue to provide excellent and innovative service in our unique settings geared toward children and young adults through the age of 18. Future plans include opening a second location in Austin in February 2024.
Each May, the Urgent Care Association of America (UCAOA) celebrates National Urgent Care Awareness Month and Urgent Care Week to highlight the invaluable services that urgent care centers provide to consumers.
“The COVID pandemic further proved the importance that urgent care centers can have in the community, playing a key role in helping keep low acuity emergency center volumes down, so the higher need patients can be seen more timely,” added Dan Gollins, President of Texas Children’s Pediatrics and Urgent Care.
Thank you Texas Children’s UC team members, for the excellent care you provide to our patients. Happy Urgent Care Week!