Texas Children’s Hospital provides stipend to employees during COVID-19

Although many companies are laying off or furloughing employees, one hospital is providing financial assistance to its workforce to help them through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Texas Children’s Hospital full-time workers will receive a $500 one-time stipend, while part-time workers will receive a $250 one-time stipend, according to a letter from Mark A. Wallace, Texas Children’s Hospital president and CEO. Checks will be distributed on April 10.

“I want to honor your dedication and commitment to our patients, families and colleagues, so please consider this a form of recognition for all of the professional and personal sacrifices you are making along this journey,” Wallace said in the letter.

The pediatric hospital system has been preparing for the coronavirus pandemic for many months, said Jaclyn Houghton, a Texas Children’s Hospital public relations specialist, in a March 26 email interview.

“We elevated our screening protocols months ago, and we currently screen all patients, visitors, employees and staff at every point of entry across our health care system in Houston and Austin,” Houghton said. “We have taken a number of steps to reduce the risk of spread, including reducing group sizes on our campus and updating our visitation guidelines. We also enhanced daily sanitation and cleaning processes throughout our campuses, among other initiatives.”

Texas Children’s Hospital has several locations in Houston. These include the main campus at 6621 Fannin St., Houston; the west campus at 18200 Katy Freeway, Houston, near Katy; and The Woodlands campus at 17600 I-45 S., The Woodlands. Additional speciality and urgent care clinics are located throughout the Greater Houston area, Austin and McAllen.