Cook Children's Delivers Exceptional Care: Seven Specialties Ranked Among Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report
We are proud of announce that seven of our specialty programs have been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Children's Hospital rankings.Click here to read more.
The list ranks Cook Children’s among the best children’s hospitals for pediatric behavioral health, cancer, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology/neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology.
This is the first year for U.S. News & World Report to include Pediatric Behavioral Health as “Top 50” programs and Cook Children’s was named to the inaugural list. Other highlights include Cook Children’s Cardiology jumping to #37 and Cook Children’s Orthopedics moving an impressive 16 spots in the rankings, from #40 last year to #24.
For Cook Children’s Health Care System as a whole, the rankings highlight longstanding excellence in a variety of areas.
"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report once again," said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children's. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work of our doctors, nurses, and staff, who consistently strive to provide the best possible care for every child, every day. Our dedication to our promise and values, combined with our strong culture, sets us apart, and we're proud to be named a top children's hospital."
M365: SharePoint Online — Policies & Procedures
You asked. We listened. After migrating our default home page to SharePoint Online, we received feedback requesting access to system policies and procedures. These documents were previously on legacy CookNet.
Update:Beginning Oct. 21, 2024, policies and procedures will be available on SharePoint Online.
When:Oct. 21, 2024
Where:You can access the new Policy page in SharePoint Online from both CookNet and SharePoint Online.
Key Notes:
The CookNet Policy page will no longer be accessible. Links will redirect to the new Policy page on SharePoint Online.
When searching for policies, first navigate to the CCHCS-Policy page.
The file structure within the documents remains the same for easy navigation.
The Second Episode of Untold: Madisyn Green
When she was 15 years old, Madisyn Greenwent from competitive swimmer to quadriplegic in a matter of hours. Now, 11 years later, she’s recounting her journey and sharing her miracle story.
Madisyn joins us on Untold: The Stories of Cook Children’sto tell us about the seemingly minor incident led to her paralysis, the challenges she faced, and the unwavering spirit that carried her as she walked out of Cook Children’s Medical Center three months later. You’ll hear how her faith, positivity and care at Cook Children's played a crucial role in her remarkable journey.
This episode is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the extraordinary things that can happen when hope prevails. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotifyor watch on YouTube.
Please subscribe and tell your friends about this inspiring new Podcast. To watch or listen to the first episode with Chelsee Greer, D.O., click here.
ICYMI: Cook Children's Health Plan Wins Temporary Injunction Against Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Welcome news: Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP) announced on Oct. 7 that a Travis County court has granted a Temporary Injunction, preventing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from awarding, signing or implementing any new contracts for the Medicaid STAR and CHIP managed care programs. This decision is a major win for the 125,000 children and families who rely on CCHP for their health care coverage.
For more than two decades, CCHP has been a trusted provider of high-quality health care coverage to low-income families, expectant mothers, and children with complex medical needs. We believe this ruling will help ensure that our Members continue to have access to the care they need, when they need it.
We would like to express our gratitude to the court for their careful consideration of this matter and for their decision in our favor. Cook Children’s will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with all stakeholders to ensure that our Members continue to receive the best possible care.
Shanna Combs, M.D., Sharing Expertise on Maternal Health in Tarrant County
Tarrant County’s maternal mortality rate remains significantly higher than the national average, and our region has the second-highest maternal mortality rate among Black women in Texas. These are complex and urgent challenges affecting the health of mothers in our community.
Panelists will cover key topics, including what maternal mortality is, why Tarrant County’s rate remains elevated, the barriers to addressing the issue and the solutions being put forward by local government and health officials. The event is hosted by the Fort Worth Report. Other panelists are: Dr. William Brian Byrd, Director, Tarrant County Public Health; Amy Hailey, Vice President of Professional Services, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth; and Dr. Stephanie Carson-Henderson, Chair of Women & Infants, JPS Health Network.
When: 7:30–9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
Where: Texas Wesleyan University, Nick and Lou Martin University Center (second floor)
Parking is complimentary in Lot E.
Light bites and beverages will be provided.
A Decade of Care: Cook Children's Renaissance Neighborhood Health Center Celebrates 10 Years of Serving the Community
Ten years after opening its doors, the Renaissance Neighborhood Heath Center team gathered to celebrate an incredible 10-year legacy of health care to children and families in the community.
“I am excited to celebrate Renaissance’s 10-year anniversary because it is a testament to our organizational values and our commitment to community,” says Veronica Tolley, MHA, Vice President of Primary Care & Specialty Services. “NHCs have existed for over 25 years, providing a medical home to children in underserved neighborhoods. Over that time, our models have evolved from a mobile unit to school-based clinics to free-standing practices that we know today.
“Thank you Renaissance team for all of your hard work, dedication, innovation and collaboration in delivering our Promise for the last 10 years,” Veronica added. "We are so proud of all that you have been able to accomplish and infinitely thankful for the quality care and support you provide our patients and families."
Town Hall at Cook Children's - Prosper: A Year of Growth and Achievement
In Town Hallsessions that took place on Wednesday, Sept. 25,Prosper leadership shared updates with team members on various initiatives, highlighting our commitment to meet the evolving needs of our patient families and our communities. Cook Children’s is planning for the future by adding services, locations and team members to continue to provide exceptional care for our patients and their families.
Check-In Conversations: Find Tips in the P&D Digest
Check-in conversations are an important feature of our new approach to Performance & Development (P&D). How do you prepare for these discussions with your manager? The latest issue of the P&D Digest has you covered. You’ll find tips to make the check-ins a productive two-way dialogue supporting your professional growth.
As we continue to phase in our new P&D platform in Workday – replacing PACE -- we’re bringing important news and resources to you. Read the newsletter to find guidance to maximize your check-in opportunity. Another story explains what Directors, AVPs and Company Presidents need to know about managing their goals in Workday. You’ll also find a handy archive about performance evaluations, Career Growth Planning and much more.
Boo-tiful News: Get Ready for Our Annual Haunted House Event
Attention all brave souls! Are you ready to be spooked by some frightfully fun little ghosts? Join us for our annu haunted house event at the Child Life Zone at Cook Children's Medical Center - Fort Worth. This is an employee-only event. Our patients and siblings are ready to scare you silly, so come prepared for a spooktacular time! Join the fun (and screams!) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 30 at the Child Life Zone.
News from Team Experience: All Your Fall Favorites
Fall is here and we’re excited to share plans for the many ways to connect and find some moments of magic together. Employee events are an opportunity to slow down, have some fun while also connecting with our teams and each other.
Family Fun Day: Join us on Saturday, Nov. 9, for a day of family, fun and thrills at Six Flags Over Texas. This is a special private event and the park is only open to employees of Cook Children's and two other companies. That means fewer wait times for all your favorite rides and shows. Purchase your tickets now and through Friday, Nov. 8. Details are here onthe Team Experience site on CookNet.
Halloween Hoopla on Oct. 31: There is still time to register for the virtual and in-person costume contest.Click here to find registration forms and guidelines.The live on-site event located outside in front of the main entrance of the Fort Worth Medical Center campus will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Holiday Help: Support a Patient Family
How can you help spread happiness, hope, and kindness to patient families during the holiday season?
You can help patient families during the upcoming holiday season through our Holiday Help program, formerly known as Holiday Benevolence. Groups of staff, departments and clinics can participate in Holiday Help by sponsoring a family and providing gifts or gift cards. Social workers complete a wish list to help provide guidance for staff sponsors as they go shopping for gifts.
The Holiday Help Herd (Cook Children's chaplains and social workers) matches staff sponsors who sign up on this Google Doc with families referred to by Social Work/Case Management.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Rock Star Challenge
Now in its 21st year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is held every October to raise awareness about online security. All month long, Cook Children’s is promoting key behaviors to encourage every employee to identify and report not only phishing, but other types of security incidents. The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “The Cybersecurity Reporter.”
Rock Star Challenge: Want to be a Cybersecurity Rock Star? The fun and engaging challenge activities will help you improve data and device security both here at work and at home. You’ll have the opportunity to flex your cybersecurity muscles at Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels and be eligible for prize drawings. All the details are here.
Understanding Medicare Coverage Webinar on Oct. 23
Choosing the right healthcare plan is crucial, especially when it comes to Medicare. We’ve partnered withMedicare Choice Group to bring you expert guidance on navigating Medicare coverage and ensuring you or your loved ones make the best choices. Medicare can be complex, with multiple parts and varying plans. That’s why we’re inviting you to our upcoming webinar, “Understanding Medicare Coverage.” This educational session will break down Medicare eligibility, coverage options, and costs, and connect you with licensed Medicare Advisors for personalized assistance.
For those of you helping a parent or loved one transition to Medicare, this is an excellent chance to get the information you need. Feel free to invite them to join this valuable session.
Join us for the "Understanding Medicare Coverage" webinar at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23. A licensed Medicare advisor will cover:
Who is eligible for Medicare?
The A, B, C, and D options for Medicare plans.
Differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance.
How to select the best Medicare plan for your needs.
Can’t make it live? No worries! Register for the webinar, and you’ll receive a follow-up email with the full recording, presentation slides, and a link to schedule a consultation with a Medicare Advisor.
Newsweek has named Cook Children's one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2024. We're introducing you to some of the women who make Cook Children's such an amazing place.
From the moment Anniese Lemond stepped through the doors at Cook Children’s in July, she felt a powerful connection to the Cook Children’s Promise — and Peaks the Dragon quickly found a special place in her heart.
“Peaks is more than a prop, he’s a mascot,” Lemond said. “The Cook Children’s blue peaks are a visible sign that we are near to help, serve and deliver on our Promise of everything for the child. So when you see those blue peaks, or hold Peaks in your arms, you know that you will be cared for in a safe environment, respected, treated kindly, and with imagination because of the collaboration and commitment we all have to our patients, their families and each other.”
As Associate Vice President of Compensation, Lemond’s mission is to ensure her team delivers exceptional and professional compensation services to the entire Cook Children’s workforce. She’s always looking ahead, strategizing to keep Cook Children’s pay programs competitive within the market in order to attract and retain top talent.
Rhiannon McDonnell: Harnessing the Power of Informatics for Health Equity
Congratulations to Rhiannon McDonnell, Director of Clinical Informatics and IT Training, recipient of Health Equity’s inaugural Cook Children’s Health Equity Hero Award! This prestigious award recognizes Rhiannon's transformative, collaborative work in ensuring Our Promise reaches every child.
Rhiannon’s dedication to equity, collaborative spirit, expert use of data science, and inclusion of family voice together models core principles of equity improvements at Cook Children's. She exemplifies how harnessing the power of informatics can transform data quality to better inform healthcare leaders and front-line teams to improve patient experience and outcomes. Let’s celebrate Rhiannon and the entire IS team by continuing to innovate and collaborate, using the power of informatics to create a future where health equity is not just a goal, but a reality.
Congratulations to Our SeptemberDAISY Award Recipient
A round of applause, please, for Emily Hendy, RN, Staff Nurse in endocrine and medical-surgical on 3 Main North at Medical Center-Fort Worth, the September DAISY award winner. We are proud to honor our outstanding nurses with the DAISY Award — an international recognition program that celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day.
Way to Go Peak Performers
Congratulations to the hard-working and dedicated employees who have been named Peak Performers for September 2024 and for the fourth quarter. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to Cook Children's and for striving to go the extra mile to help our patient families and colleagues.
Cook Children's Delivers Exceptional Care: Seven Specialties Ranked Among Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report
M365: SharePoint Online — Policies & Procedures
The Second Episode of Untold: Madisyn Green
ICYMI: Cook Children's Health Plan Wins Temporary Injunction Against Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Tarrant County’s maternal mortality rate remains significantly higher than the national average, and our region has the second-highest maternal mortality rate among Black women in Texas. These are complex and urgent challenges affecting the health of mothers in our community. 
Boo-tiful News: Get Ready for Our Annual Haunted House Event
Holiday Help: Support a Patient Family
Now in its 21st year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is held every October to raise awareness about online security. All month long, Cook Children’s is promoting key behaviors to encourage every employee to identify and report not only phishing, but other types of security incidents. The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “The Cybersecurity Reporter.” 
Understanding Medicare Coverage Webinar on Oct. 23
Rhiannon McDonnell: Harnessing the Power of Informatics for Health Equity
