Happy Holidays and New Year

The holidays are officially here — and wow, did they get here fast! It feels like just yesterday we were kicking off 2019, and now look at the incredibly successful year we’ve had. As I look back on this past year, I’m truly grateful for how much we have to celebrate and want to highlight just a few of the milestones that have meant a great deal to me.

In 2019, Texas Children’s tied for third place among all children’s hospitals nationally – a ranking no other pediatric hospital in the state has ever achieved. Not only did we earn our highest overall national ranking to date, but for the first time Texas Children’s also ranked in the top 10 in each of the U.S. News & World Report-recognized pediatric sub-specialties. Six of our sub-specialties were ranked in the top three – two are ranked No. 1, two are ranked No. 2, and another two are ranked No. 3.

We also received accolades from several other institutions. Indeed named Texas Children’s the No. 4 workplace of the top 25 hospitals who have earned consistently high marks from current and past employees on the world’s top-rated job site. Forbes ranked Texas Children’s as No. 276 of the best 500 large companies in the nation. And, locally, Texas Children’s came in as the fifth best place to work in Houston by Houston Business Journal.

Our increase of minimum pay to $15 an hour is at the top of my list of accomplishments. This wage increase — which goes into effect January 1, 2020 — ensures that some of our hardest working employees receive compensation much more fitting of the value they bring to our organization. Raising our minimum hourly pay rate is an important step in our ongoing effort to attract and retain talented, driven professionals who share our passion for family-centered patient care. Most importantly, my hope is that it sends a strong message that regardless of the role you play on our One Amazing Team you know that you are valued and appreciated.

When we decided to make this change, there were discussions of whether we could afford it at a time when we’re also expanding our facilities to care for more children. But at Texas Children’s, we know that there is always enough money to do the right thing – and taking care of our employees is the right thing to do.

Just a few short weeks ago, we set a new record for ourselves by recording a daily census of 823 patients. It’s a remarkable achievement and it’s one that makes me so proud of everything our organization has become. This census record means that families understand that we are the best place to seek pediatric and well-woman care. It means that our One Amazing Team is making a big difference in a big way because of your compassionate care and dedication. This census record is the direct result of your hard work.

Because you’ve been working at such a high level, many of you will take a much-needed break during the holiday season. There are others who will work through the holidays to deliver on our patient care promise. I am so grateful to each of you who work in preparation of the holidays or during the holidays to keep our patients and families well taken care of.

Whether you have worked here for 40 years or four weeks, I appreciate your dedication, ingenuity, dedication and commitment. Your willingness to bring your best to work every day is the #1 reason we can celebrate the holiday season on such a high note.

So with that I will say happy holidays and a prosperous new year to each of you! Thank you for your passion towards our mission and for what you have contributed to our accomplishments and growth in 2019. May you have a blessed and meaningful holiday season, and I look forward to all that is to come for our Texas Children’s family in 2020!