Connect Newsletter (Jan. 6, 2023)

A Monumental Day for Cook Children's Health Care System 

The new Cook Children's Medical Center - Prosper opens to the community at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, and is ready to serve patient families seeking care under Cook Children’s signature blue peaks.

The 23-acre Cook Children’s campus in Prosper is the culmination of a multi-year expansion project into the rapidly growing northern region of the state. It is only the second time in the health system’s more than 104-year history that it has opened a new medical center, connecting the world-class pediatric care Cook Children’s is known for to families living on the northeast side of the Metroplex, East Texas, and all the way up to the Red River and beyond.

From our outpatient services to our Emergency Department and inpatient unit, none of this would be possible without your passion and dedication. Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly for years to make this a reality.

Family Business: Meet the Dad at the Helm of Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper

Kevin Greene, MHA, who is vice president and administrator of the new Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper, is looking forward to serving alongside the 550 team members who will ultimately work at the Prosper campus. 

Together, they will steward Cook Children’s long legacy and keep its Promise to improve the care and well-being of every child in its care and communities.

“I look at every child that comes through these doors like it's one of my boys, and I think that’s not just unique to me,” he said. “Everyone here thinks that way. It’s what I’ve always loved about Cook Children’s.”

Read more about Kevin's journey at Cook Children's.

Get Ready for Monday Night Football

We've all fallen under the spell of the Hypnotoad! Show your support for the TCU Horned Frogs (13-1) at work as they take on the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs (14-0) in Monday's 2022 College Football National Championship on Monday, Jan. 9. Before the game starts at 6:30 p.m., wear your favorite Frogs shirt or jersey Monday. Show your Purple Pride at work and Go Frogs!

Wait, you aren't rooting for the Horned Frogs?! That's OK. Wear your Georgia jersey or your favorite team. After all, regardless of we root for, we're all on the same team at Cook Children's.

Find Help for Healthy Eating and Exercise Habits at CareATC 

Stress eating, convenience foods and lack of time/energy to exercise can all play a role in weight gain. Providers at CareATC can help Cook Children’s employees achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and body mass index through potential behavioral changes and health maintenance strategies. 

Read more about how Care ATC offers expert advice about good nutrition, water consumption, avoiding processed foods, exercise and other lifestyle habits to help avoid stress and feel your best.

Celebrating the Holidays Together at Home and Work

A total of 35 children had a little extra cheer thanks to those on the Cook Children’s Health Plan team, who gave their time, warm spirit and donations for this season’s Holiday Benevolence initiative.

Health Plan employees shopped for gifts, wrapped them and delivered everything to eight families, all members of the Cook Children’s Health Plan who were referred by their case managers.

The gifts included several bikes, electronics, a gaming chair, clothing, shoes, toys, games, gift cards and even a Christmas tree with all the trimmings.

Send us your holiday photos

How did you give back or celebrate the holidays together with your loved ones? Share photos of you, your friends and your family with your Cook Children’s colleagues. Email images to InternalCommunications@cookchildrens.org. We’ll post them on Cooknet. Tips: Be sure that the image is in focus, avoids private information and is saved as a .jpg file.

Cozy and Creative: Holiday Sweater Contest Winners

More than 1,200 votes were cast in this year's Virtual Holiday Sweater Contest, showcasing fun fashion choices by our festive employees. The top vote-getters each received more than 200 votes each. 

The suspense is over! Click here to find out who came out on top.

Monthly Peak Performers: Raising the Bar

Let’s congratulate the Peak Performers for November and December 2022.  

Thank you for your work to fulfill our Cook Children's Pinky Promise. Click here for the full list.

Blood Drives Save Lives. Sign Up for the First Blood Drive of 2023

Did you know that one in three people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime? Recipients of these lifesaving products are our patient families, our friends, our loved ones and our neighbors right here in North Texas. 

If you are able, please sign up for the first blood drive of 2023, scheduled for Jan. 30 in the Family Support Room A&B at Cook Children's Medical Center- Fort Worth. Click here to download a flyer with more details. 

You can make an appointment for a time that is convenient for you and there will be limited availability for walk-ins. Please click here to schedule your appointment for the blood drive.

In Case You Missed It: generous donors at Cook Children’s gave 312 units of blood, red blood cells and plasma in 2022. Thank you, donors!

Learn More About Important Research Studies at Cook Children's 

Registration is now open for the 2023 Research Appreciation Conference, highlighting innovative research studies that have been conducted across the Cook Children’s Health Care System. These studies have influenced clinical practices, improved quality initiatives, and have contributed immensely to the scientific community.

The event will kick off with a research presentation at Grand Rounds on Feb. 14. The conference is scheduled for Feb. 17 and 18, in the Hochberger Auditorium. Scientific posters presented by Cook Children’s investigators will be available for viewing throughout both days of the event. Abstracts are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 6. Click here for more information. 

There is no charge to attend the conference, but registration is required. Register here. 

Top 10 Stories on Checkup Newsroom in 2022

Our online Checkup Newsroom is the community's best source for the latest news and information about all things Cook Children’s and pediatric heath care. 

The site received more than one million views in 2022. Here are the stories that were the most viewed in 2022. Which story was your favorite from last year?

Two Leaders Named Health Care Heroes by Texas Hospital Assocation

Congratulations to Debbie Boudreaux, assistant vice president, nursing, and Jack Sosebee, vice president. Both were named Health Care Heroes by the Texas Hospital Association.

They were featured on the organization’s Facebook page on Day 8 of its 12 Days of Health Care Heroes.

Happy Retirement

Lelynne Waltman-Knight, nurse manager

Lelynne Waltman-Knight, nurse manager, is retiring from the system on January 12, after more than 36 years of service to Cook Children's. We encourage you to take a moment to send Lelynne a farewell note or a congratulatory eCard by Jan. 12. You must be on the network.

In Memoriam

Remembering the following members of the Cook Children’s employee family to whom we said goodbye in 2022. We salute them all for the many years they shared their talents and gifts to positively touch their colleagues, our patients and our community.

Ronald Argo, Environmental Services Aide

Selena Baughman, Medical Receptionist II

Eric Fairfield, Pediatric Echocardiographer II

Robin Morgan, Care Manager Service Coordinator, LVN

Blake Palmer, M.D., Physician, Urology

Joyce A. Pulley, Clinical Nutrition Tech

Cynthia Shoemake, Epic Application System Analyst