Connect Newsletter (Jan. 4, 2024)

Roundup of Cheer: Stories that Inspired Us in 2023

Looking back on 2023 gives us at Cook Children’s the chance to pause and appreciate a truly remarkable year for our health care system. So many moments of magic unfolded, and we’re grateful to you, our employees – which is why we want to revisit some of the 2023 headlines that reflect your creativity, successes and dedication to pediatric health care. Here are several highlights that impacted our patients, community and workforce at Cook Children’s.

VIDEO: Medical Center-Prosper

It's been nearly a year since the Medical Center-Prosper welcomed the first patients, and we are so proud that thousands of families have entrusted us to care for their greatest gift, their child. We invite you to view this video, which highlights our shared belief that when it comes to pediatric medicine, it should always come with an extra dose of kindness. 

News from Team Experience

Holiday Sweater Contest winners: The votes are in on the creative and fun outfits worn by our employees to celebrate the holiday season. Find out who won the Virtual Holiday Sweater Contest, Fort Worth Jingle Mingle Sweater Contest and Prosper Jingle Mingle Sweater Contest.

Photos from Jingle Mingles: This year's Jingle Mingle events saw record numbers. View photos of our employees having a festive time.

Peak Performers for November and December 2023: These recipients have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact on our patients, our community, and our organization. Please congratulate them when you see them next.

Microsoft Teams Update

Happy New Year! As we continue to migrate to Teams, the Service Desk will be switching the messaging account at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

From that time forward the Skype messaging account for Service desk will no longer receive/send messages. However, you’ll now be able to directly message the Service Desk from Teams. 

This transition should allow you to continue messaging our Service Desk for help resolving technical issues moving forward.
 

Annual Competency Training Deadline Update

With the move to a focal point performance review system in 2024, we are updating the deadline for required annual training and competency completions. All required training is due by Aug. 1, 2024. 

As we've shared, a new performance evaluation review system will launch in the fall of 2024 (fiscal year 2025) and every employee will receive a performance review at the same time each year going forward.

ULearn will start sending reminder notifications 30 days prior to the August 1 deadline to employees who have not completed their requirements. 

Your manager will be copied on reminder notifications that are sent after the deadline has passed. 

For questions, email here. 
 

If You Are Sick with COVID

A message from Occupational Health: If you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have tested positive for COVID, you must notify your supervisor and stay home. Please stay home for five days from the first day of COVID symptoms. When you return to work, you must wear an FDA-approved mask for five workdays. You do not need a negative COVID test to return to work.

If you are out more than five days, you must contact Hartford (877) 936-5336), provide a doctor's note with a return-to-work date, and also provide a completed Return to Work Form. You must be cleared by Occupational Health in order to return to work.

A reminder: the Cook Children's COVID Hotline is no longer monitored. It is not necessary for you to contact Occupational Heath if you have COVID or symptoms of COVID. 

Understanding Medicare Webinar

We are excited about our new partnership with Medicare Choice Group to give you expert advice about everything there is to know about Medicare. Since Medicare can be a bit complicated, we are offering a webinar called “Understanding Medicare Coverages” that will help answer your questions.

The webinar is scheduled to begin at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Can’t attend the webinar but would like the information? Register for the webinar and you will get a follow up email after the webinar with the recording, a copy of the presentation and links to schedule your free one on one consultation.

Register for the webinar here. 

Blood Drive: Every Drop Counts

Save the date for a blood drive at the Medical Center-Fort Worth on Feb. 12. Giving blood saves lives. Sign up is now open here.