Three Awards from Press Ganey for Excellence in Human Experience
We are excited to announce that Press Ganey has awarded Cook Children’s Health Care System (CCHCS) with three prestigious Human Experience awards: Guardian of Excellence for Patient Experience (Inpatient), Guardian of Excellence for Employee Experience (CCHCS) and Guardian of Excellence for Physician Employee Experience (Cook Children's Physician Network).
Press Ganey is a global leader in health care experience solutions and collaborates with more than 41,000 health care facilities to enhance overall safety, quality and experience of care.
This is the second year in a row that Press Ganey has awarded Cook Children’s with the Guardian of Excellence for Patient Experience award. Each of these awards reflect Cook Children’s dedication to experience for the entire Cook Children’s system.
“These awards really speak to our commitment to our people and to caring,” said Megan Chavez, Vice President of Cook Children's Experience. “It’s in the way we care. If you come here, health care doesn't feel so scary. You know that you're circled with people that want the best for your child and for you. If you’re a staff member or physician, you can focus on being your best, because you're surrounded by a team of people that want the best for you.”
Has it been two years already? On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper celebrated its second anniversary. Thank you to every person on the Prosper team for your hard work and dedication in making these first two years a resounding success. Your unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care for our patients has remained our guiding principle throughout this journey. We look forward to many more years of serving our community with compassion and excellence.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
Join the Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD+ ERG) in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge.
The Challenge will kick off on Monday, Jan. 20, the MLK Jr. federal holiday, and run through Friday, Jan. 31. You are invited to take time each day to engage in a Random Act of Kindness. Ideas are up to your imagination, including holding the door open for someone, writing a thank you note, picking up litter or checking in on an elderly neighbor. Here are some additional resources for you.
This two week period of kindness is the perfect way to kick off the new year. Kindness is one of our Cook Children’s values, and it embodies the very essence of the life and work of Dr. King. We hope that you will include your families, friends, neighbors, communities and colleagues in spreading kindness.
Every act of kindness big or small goes a long way. Simple acts make a big difference in the lives of other people… and in you.
Thank You: We Weathered the Arctic Blast
Last week's winter weather blew in some challenges, and as usual, the dedication and resilience of our team shone through. From navigating icy roads, coming in early or staying late at the Hero Hotel, each of you played a critical role in ensuring that we were able to care for patients in need. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our Promise.
As reminder – if you borrowed or picked up an air mattress during the winter weather event, please return them (in the box or bag they came in, along with air pump.)
For Fort Worth Campus: return to the Employee Disaster Resource Center (EVS Classroom 0210– across from Central Stores.)
From Prosper Campus: all items should be returned at the location where they were picked up.
It is important that they are all returned to our centralized inventory so we have them available for the next event. We kindly ask that you do not keep them in your area.
Photos and video: Click here to see our wonderful staff and medical centers during the winter weather.
Your Photos: Employees from across the System sent us fun photos in the snow and ice. View them here.
Your Questions for Leadership at the Next Town Hall
Our Town Hall meetings are a valuable opportunity to connect with leadership and get your questions answered directly.
To make sure we cover the topics that matter most to you, we encourage you to submit any questions you have for our leadership team. All questions are welcome, no matter how big or small. You can remain anonymous.
Questions will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the next Town Hall.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Employees Care: Together We Promise. Together We Give.
Together, we promise to care for our community’s children. Together, we give to brighten their futures. Let’s make a world of difference¬—one magical moment at a time!
At Cook Children’s, we believe in the power of collaboration and generosity to make a difference.
As an employee, your job impacts patient care every day. As an Employees Care donor, you can become an even bigger part of our patients’ journeys, making their experience at Cook Children’s even more magical.
Employees Care is a special way for all of us—nurses, doctors, administrative staff and everyone in between—no matter our location, to unite for a cause that’s close to our hearts. Together, we can support the children under our blue peaks.
Every dollar you donate helps us provide the best care for our patients. Whether it’s funding life-saving treatments, providing comforting toys or creating a magical space for play and healing, your generosity shines through in countless ways! Plus, you get to rock an awesome T-shirt to show others you give above and beyond your work!
Joining Employees Care is simple and rewarding. You can choose a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation—whatever works best for you! Every gift, no matter the size, makes a big difference!
ICYMI: Embracing the Future of Health Care with Artificial Intelligence
At Cook Children's, we're committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. That's why we're excited to share three pilot projects that use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the lives of our patients and families, as well as empower our employees with leading-edge technology.
Note: You must be on the Cook Children's system to view this video.
Video: How We Worked on Health and Fitness with the Wellness Zone
With the new year upon us, the staff of the Wellness Zone invites you to take a moment and reflect back on 2024 and just how Cook Children’s creates a culture of health and wellness for all of its employees. View a video here on the Connect Newsroom.
Join us for our Child Life Employee Craft Fairs from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on March 14 and April 11. Donations collected through sales will benefit Cook Children's Creative Arts Program. Registration begins on Jan. 27. The registration form is here.
Events and Education
Save a Life: Blood Drive on Jan. 27
We're hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27 at Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth in Family Support Meeting Room A.
Donating blood is a simple yet incredibly impactful way to make a difference in the lives of others. Blood transfusions are crucial for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, and those experiencing trauma. Every donation counts!
Blue Castle Collaborators Toastmasters club's third “Charterversary”
The Blue Castle Collaborators Toastmasters club will celebrate its third “Charterversary” on Feb. 4. Three years ago, Blue Castle Collaborators was started by a group of individuals who were dedicated to developing their leadership and public speaking skills. Now, the club consists of a strong group of 20 members who meet twice a month during the lunch hour. At meetings, prepared speeches are given, impromptu speaking skills are practiced, and evaluations are provided that allow for members' continuous growth.
You're invited to an event at noon on Feb. 4 in the Rosedale Office Building (room number to be provided at RSVP response) to celebrate the success of the club and see what Toastmasters is all about. Lunch will be provided beginning at 11:30 a.m. Space is limited, and you must RSVP by Feb. 1 by sending an email to bluecastlecollaborators@gmail.com.
Our People
Untold Stories Podcast: All in the Family
In this heartwarming episode, we hear the incredible story of Alice Phillips, M.D., medical director of Ambulatory Quality and Safety at Cook Children's, and her daughter, Annie Phillips, an outpatient dietitian in the pediatric Cardiology Department at Cook Children's.
Dr. Phillips shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Texas to becoming a doctor and a leader in the health care field, all while balancing family and the challenges of being a woman in medicine.
Annie discusses how her mother’s path influenced her own career choices and the bond they share working together in healthcare. Together, they reflect on the challenges of motherhood, the importance of resilience, and the power of family support.
Meet Mekka Livingston, Director of Employee Relations
Newsweek recently named Cook Children's one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. We're introducing you to some of the women who make Cook Children's such an amazing place.
In her role as Director of Employee Relations in Cook Children’s Talent Management department, Mekka Livingston has found her home in a workplace where she says colleagues are more like family and kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life. One also modeled to her by her grandmother who would often say, “It doesn’t cost a thing to be kind.” It’s a philosophy she sees echoed daily at Cook Children’s, as well as timeless wisdom that motivates her own actions.
Mekka finds joy in surprising a child she meets in the hospital lobby with a trip to Build-A-Bear or picking up the tab for a family in the cafeteria line to ease their financial burden. For her, moments like these aren’t just gestures—they’re fulfilling the hospital’s Promise to create magic for every child and family who walks through its doors.
One such moment stays with her: a little girl in the cafeteria, hesitant and reserved after weeks in the hospital, wiggled from her mother’s arms and ran to embrace Mekka.
“I locked eyes with her mother who smiled at me, giving me permission to embrace her child, and I stooped down and grabbed her baby girl and gave her the biggest hug.”
That spontaneous hug was a spark of healing and connection—magic in its purest form.
Happy Second Birthday to Medical Center-Prosper
Join the Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD+ ERG) in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge.
Your Questions for Leadership at the Next Town Hall
