Connect Newsletter (Dec. 19, 2022)

“A Magical Time of Year for All of You:” A Holiday Message from Mr. Merrill

“Every day, we count on one another– to share the workload, lift each other up on cloudy days, and celebrate when we succeed -- because when one of us succeeds, we all do. That spirit of kindness, collaboration, generosity and respect, four of our core values, makes Cook Children’s such a special place and connects each one of us no matter our differing holiday traditions.”

Click here to read and watch a special holiday message from Rick Merrill, our President and CEO.

Official Opening Date for Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper Set for Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

We are excited to announce the official opening date for Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper. Please read the full announcement from Kevin Greene, Vice President, Administrator, Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper, and the entire Cook Children's leadership team.

A Holiday Prayer from Jennifer Hayes: This December, May You Feel Safe…and Seen…and Valued

Please take a moment to watch this powerful prayer from Jennifer Hayes, M.Div., Director of Spiritual Care. “December brings about a time of reflection … a glimpse of what is Holy; the invitation to participate in gracious and intentional acts that connect you with others, reminding us that our world is not the world.  That our experience is not everyone’s experience.”

Patient Surge Strategies for Cook Children's

In our almost 105-year history, we have prided ourselves on avoiding having to divert patients from Cook Children's Medical Center, but with record-breaking volumes and census, we have to make some difficult decisions the last few months.

During November alone, we diverted 418 patients from Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth after referring hospitals contacted us to arrange a transfer. We are working with adult facilities on policies, training and education so they feel more comfortable holding and admitting pediatric patients in their facilities.  

With all this in mind, we have implemented additional surge strategies. Read the details here and learn who are two of our behind-the-scenes heroes. 

Jingle Mingle Highlights from Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth

We enjoyed welcoming everyone back to Jingle Mingle, a Cook Children's holiday tradition. Click here to watch the fun at Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth. We would love to see how your teams celebrated the holidays from across the system.  Send us your photos from all of our locations to InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. 

Radiothon Raises Record Amount

A Radiothon event that featured inspirational stories from Cook Children’s patient families raised a record-breaking $1,045,496.33. This is the 9th year for the Country for the Kids Radiothon. Two stations, New Country 96.3 and 99.5 The Wolf, broadcast live simultaneously for two days, all in support of raising funds for Cook Children’s.

Cook Children's Annual Drive for Those Experiencing Homelessness

We want to thank everyone for their generosity as thousands of personal items were collected to support organizations that serve people without permanent shelter in Cook Children’s Annual Drive for those experiencing homelessness. More than 7,000 bars of soap were donated. Find out all the total numbers and thank you all for your kindness.

Vote Now For This Year's Holiday Sweater Contest

Cast your vote now for your favorite festive attire in this year's Virtual Holiday Sweater Contest! Voting runs from Dec. 19-23. You have three categories to choose from: Most Original Individual, Funniest Individual and Best Group Themes. Winners will be announced on CookNet later this month. 

Celebrate the Holiday with an eCard

Send out holiday greetings to your colleagues with Cook Children’s eCards! Click here to find all new Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa cards with our new brand on the CookNet eCard web page. You must be on the Network. 

We wish you a very happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season!

 Please contact Amy Smith at amy.smith@cookchildrens.org with any questions.

Want a Great Way to Begin the New Year? Sign Up for the First Blood Drive of 2023

The numbers are in: generous donors at Cook Children’s gave 312 units of blood, red blood cells and plasma in 2022  -- lifesaving products that are needed for the children in our care.

Donating blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to the community. Can you help do your part? Employees of Cook Children’s can sign up to donate blood at our first blood drive of 2023 on Jan. 30 in the Family Support Room A&B at Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth. You can make an appointment for a time that is convenient for you and there will be limited availability walk-ins. Please click here to schedule your appointment for the blood drive.

Here are our results from 2022:

• Whole blood collected: 249 units
• Double red cells collected: 56 units
• Plasma collected: 7 units
• Total units collected: 312

Taking Time Off for the Holiday? Remember To Set Up a Delegate for Your Approvals

If you are taking time off this holiday season, please set up a delegate for all of your approvals. IS will not be able to re-route invoice approvals due to an absent approver. Invoices will advance to the next approver after 4 business days. Click here to learn more.

Texas Rangers Hit It Out of the Park During Holiday Visit to Cook Children's

The Texas Rangers had their annual holiday visit with Cook Children's patients this month. Current and former players, along with members of their broadcast team, surprised patients in multiple departments at the Medical Center to spread some holiday cheer. Patients received gift bags with Rangers goodies, including a hat and blanket.

Dallas Cowboys Spread Holiday Cheer to Cook Children's Patients

After two years of virtual holiday visits, the Dallas Cowboys were able to surprise patients in-person this year. Football players and cheerleaders delighted patients in multiple departments at the Medical Center to spread some holiday cheer. There were extra smiles from that win over the Houston Texans! Click here to see all the fun.

Happy Retirement

Charles Robertson, environmental services aide

Charles Robertson, environmental services aide, is retiring from the system on Tuesday, Dec. 20, after more than 22 years of service to Cook Children's. We encourage you to take a moment to send Charles a farewell note or a congratulatory eCard by Dec. 19. You must be on the network.

Pamela Holbert, environmental services aide

Pamela Holbert, environmental services aide, is retiring from the system on Friday, Dec. 23, after more than 21 years of service to Cook Children's. We encourage you to take a moment to send Pamela a farewell note or a congratulatory eCard by Dec. 22. You must be on the network.