WEATHER ALERT
‘I’m going to be alright’: Mattress Mack in the hospital for ‘cognitive’ issues
Read full article: ‘I’m going to be alright’: Mattress Mack in the hospital for ‘cognitive’ issuesMembers of the community are sending well wishes to local icon and businessman, Jim “Mattress Mack McIngvale, who said he is recovering from “cognitive” issues.
Couple sues hospital for allegedly losing part of patient’s skull following brain surgery
Read full article: Couple sues hospital for allegedly losing part of patient’s skull following brain surgeryA couple is suing an Atlanta hospital that allegedly lost part of a patient’s skull after it was removed during brain surgery because “several bone flaps” were lacking identification.
Texas Children’s lays off 5 percent of its workforce
Read full article: Texas Children’s lays off 5 percent of its workforceThe hospital would not directly answer KPRC 2′s questions about the layoffs. A spokesperson would only refer us to an article from the Houston Chronicle where the hospital stated cutting five percent of its workforce eliminates roughly 1,000 jobs out of about 20,000 employees. Lower patient volumes and financial challenges were contributing factors to the cuts.
Maintenance worker hurt after falling off roof of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospital
Read full article: Maintenance worker hurt after falling off roof of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospitalA maintenance worker was taken to an emergency room for treatment after authorities say he fell approximately 20 feet off the roof of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands hospital.
Former Ridge Point HS football player Terrance Howard dies after being hit by vehicle in North Carolina
Read full article: Former Ridge Point HS football player Terrance Howard dies after being hit by vehicle in North CarolinaThe former Houston-area high school football star who was hit by a vehicle has died, his mother and stepfather confirmed to KPRC 2.
‘I can feel his spirit’: Family of former Ridge Point HS football player hopes to bring him back to Houston after crash
Read full article: ‘I can feel his spirit’: Family of former Ridge Point HS football player hopes to bring him back to Houston after crashA North Carolina Central University football player and former player and graduate of Ridge Point High School in Missouri City is fighting for his life after being hit by a vehicle.
Former Ridge Point HS football player, Terrance Howard, on ventilator after being hit by vehicle in North Carolina
Read full article: Former Ridge Point HS football player, Terrance Howard, on ventilator after being hit by vehicle in North CarolinaA North Carolina Central University football player and former player and graduate of Ridge Point High School in Missouri City is fighting for his life after being hit by a vehicle.
‘I was out of oxygen’: Houston-area hospitals see increase in storm-related visits
Read full article: ‘I was out of oxygen’: Houston-area hospitals see increase in storm-related visitsMonday morning, after Hurricane Beryl hit Texas’ coast, a Pasadena woman – who does not want to be identified – like millions lost power. She was also running out of oxygen in her tanks.
‘He could have been saved’: Family of Memorial Hermann patient who died waiting for transplant speaks out
Read full article: ‘He could have been saved’: Family of Memorial Hermann patient who died waiting for transplant speaks out“We knew it was going to be a battle, but he from the beginning, warrior. Warrior, big time,” Richard Mostacci’s mother, Susie Garcia said.
Report: Houston surgeon accused of ‘secretly’ rejecting liver transplants
Read full article: Report: Houston surgeon accused of ‘secretly’ rejecting liver transplantsDays after Memorial Hermann halted its liver and kidney transplants programs, The New York Times has reported that a surgeon working at the hospital has been accused of denying liver transplants to some his patients.
‘Koda the Fluff’🐶✨ Therapy dog turned viral sensation puts smiles on faces around the world through social media
Read full article: ‘Koda the Fluff’🐶✨ Therapy dog turned viral sensation puts smiles on faces around the world through social mediaCheck out Koda the Fluff, the therapy dog turned viral sensation! 🐕🌟 Bringing smiles to faces all around the world through heartwarming videos and personal visits. For more on Koda and more videos, visit Click2Houston.com. #TherapyDog #KodaTheFluff #SpreadJoy
UT Health doctor shares list of common holiday-related injuries that can land you in the emergency room
Read full article: UT Health doctor shares list of common holiday-related injuries that can land you in the emergency roomA list of the top injuries an emergency room doctor wants to warn you about this holiday season:
County health leaders launch Hospital Violence Interruption Program at Ben Taub Hospital
Read full article: County health leaders launch Hospital Violence Interruption Program at Ben Taub HospitalCounty health officials are helping patients who have been hurt in these incidents through their “Hospital Violence Interruption Program” at Ben Taub Hospital.
St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston opens new Latino Health Center for Spanish speaking patients
Read full article: St. Joseph Medical Center in Houston opens new Latino Health Center for Spanish speaking patientsSt. Joseph Medical Center in downtown Houston aims to accommodate the Latino patient population and cut down on a national problem with non-English speaking patients facing higher rates of hospital readmissions.
‘Internal disaster’: Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital blames surge in COVID cases, shortage of nurses for longer ER wait times
Read full article: ‘Internal disaster’: Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital blames surge in COVID cases, shortage of nurses for longer ER wait timesA Houston hospital said it was inundated with patients over the weekend, prompting it to announce an “internal disaster” and leading to wait times up to 24 hours.
Judge rules in favor of Houston Methodist in lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: Judge rules in favor of Houston Methodist in lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccinesA federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Saturday from a group of Houston Methodist employees opposing the hospital’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Dr. Joseph Varon works 366th consecutive day amid pandemic
Read full article: Dr. Joseph Varon works 366th consecutive day amid pandemicHOUSTON – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Joseph Varon has become a leading national voice in the fight against the deadly virus. On Saturday, Varon worked his 366th consecutive day at United Memorial Medical Center in North Houston, and he said the pandemic is far from over. Dozens of people from Solid Rock Ministries thanked Dr. Varon and other healthcare workers for their hard work and sacrifice on Saturday. “It was pretty scary, once you can’t breathe and you have double pneumonia that’s really scary,” Hernandez said. Varon said once things get a little better, he plans to take a trip to the beach and get some much-needed sleep.
Houston Methodist host free virtual COVID-19 vaccine town hall
Read full article: Houston Methodist host free virtual COVID-19 vaccine town hallHOUSTON – On Friday, Houston Methodist Hospital answered questions about the vaccine rollout during a virtual town hall. Health experts covered a range of topics but wanted to focus on helping educate communities of color about COVID-19. They have programs in the works, that include partnering with minority organizations and churches in to help spread the word about the vaccine. “Really the goal is to bring death down and ultimately control the pandemic,” said Dr. Marc Boom, the president and CEO of Houston Methodist. Arianne Dowdell, VP and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, was the moderator of the town hall.
Local hospital provides COVID-19 vaccine to those over 75
Read full article: Local hospital provides COVID-19 vaccine to those over 75HOUSTON – Some of the most vulnerable people in the community received the COVID-19 vaccine in Baytown on Friday. She’s one of the dozens of seniors to get the shot at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. Baytown is one of four vaccine sites for Houston Methodist. On Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services said so-called vaccine hubs are on the way, but didn’t offer many details. “It’s really refreshing that people believe in science and people want to be protected against this disease,” said Dr. Shawn Tittle, chief medical officer at the Baytown hospital.
Rosenberg mother asking for justice after son robbed, stabbed 20 times
Read full article: Rosenberg mother asking for justice after son robbed, stabbed 20 timesA Rosenberg mother is asking for justice after her son was robbed and stabbed 20 timesLeslie Garcia says her son Christian, 20, is in the hospital recovering but has had to undergo multiple surgeries. When you’re in a situation like that it just feels like it’s a bad dream,” said Garcia. Garcia tells KPRC Christian was friends with one of his attackers and was asked to pick him up. “He went to pick them up and the two other people got in the backseat and he started driving,” said Garcia. Christian is expected to survive but has had 5 surgeries while in the hospital and does not have insurance.
MD Anderson receives its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: MD Anderson receives its first doses of COVID-19 vaccineHOUSTON – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received its allocation of COVID-19 vaccine early Monday, the hospital announced. Vaccine arriving at M.D. (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)Vaccines on the the way to the M.D. “Our approach has been to provide trustworthy information to support our employees making their own personal decision about vaccination and we’re continuing to do that,” Dr. Tereffe said. However, she does believe the vaccine is going to help protect the majority of their patients and staff.
LIST: Houston-area hospitals first-up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: LIST: Houston-area hospitals first-up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)HOUSTON – The Texas Department of State Health Services announced nearly 95,000 doses of the COVID-19 are headed to the hospitals across the state. The state expects the vaccine for the remaining 86 sites to begin shipping later in the week. MD Anderson is committed to providing workforce members accurate information to help them decide whether and when to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. All safety precautions and current COVID-19 protocols, including masking, social distancing, handwashing and visitor limitations, continue to be required. Photos and video content from the vaccine delivery will be made available on Monday.
Parole officer in Harris County heading home after battling COVID-19 for 5 months
Read full article: Parole officer in Harris County heading home after battling COVID-19 for 5 monthsCYPRESS – A parole officer in Harris County is preparing to go home after battling the coronavirus for five months. Kelli Johnson spent Sunday afternoon talking to her husband Lafayette Johnson through a window at the Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Cypress. It’s a horrible experience I don’t wish this on anybody’s family or anybody,” Kelli Johnson said. Lafayette Johnson is a retired Bronze Army Sergeant and a Parole Officer for Harris County. Things are going much better for Lafayette Johnson and his getting ready to go home.
Local hospitals enforce ‘no visitor’ policy
Read full article: Local hospitals enforce ‘no visitor’ policyThese exceptions include:One adult (18 and over) visitor for laboring women. One adult visitor (parent or guardian) for pediatric patients. One adult visitor for patients at the time of discharge following a surgery or procedure. Patients with a disability or other medical condition who need assistance communicating with staff will be evaluated for potential visitor exceptions on a case-by-case basis. COVID-19 positive patients or Patients Under Investigation (PUI) will be limited to one visitor only (for a maximum of one hour).
Local doctor says people should quarantine, get tested after traveling for Thanksgiving
Read full article: Local doctor says people should quarantine, get tested after traveling for ThanksgivingDr. Joseph Varon has been working nonstop at The United Medical Hospital for 255 days. He said he and his staff are busy and tired, but they’re treating COVID-19 patients around the clock. Now they’re getting prepared for what Thanksgiving and Black Friday could bring. Varon said people need to quarantine for five days and get tested if they traveled for Thanksgiving and were around large crowds on Black Friday. Varon was seen in a heartbreaking photo comforting a patient in the coronavirus intensive care unit on Thanksgiving is going viral.
Photos: This is what it looks like as President Trump heads to hospital after positive COVID-19 test
Read full article: Photos: This is what it looks like as President Trump heads to hospital after positive COVID-19 testAn Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist, Amanda Cochran is a Houston transplant from New York City who has embraced her new city with both arms -- living and breathing news and all things Texas.
Texas family drives 2 hours, supports from parking lot while 16-year-old battles COVID-19 at Texas Children’s Hospital
Read full article: Texas family drives 2 hours, supports from parking lot while 16-year-old battles COVID-19 at Texas Children’s HospitalHOUSTON – One Texas family is not giving up on seeing their loved one at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. This health battle has been tough for the Swearingen family. One Texas family is not giving up on seeing their loved one at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. At Texas Children’s our highest priority is the health and safety of those we serve. We need our families' assistance and support in protecting our patients, families and caregivers by following our visitation restrictions.
HPD Sgt. released from hospital after monthslong battle with COVID-19
Read full article: HPD Sgt. released from hospital after monthslong battle with COVID-19HOUSTON – After 80 days of battling COVID-19 in the hospital and rehab, Houston Police Sergeant Arturo “Hito” Bazan was finally released. ”We’re just blessed that we can see him, you know, come home," said his son Jack Bazan. “We really hold onto those cases that do so well and do beat covid because that’s what gives us hope,” said nurse Megan Cromwell. “I wouldn’t be here without y’all prayers and y’all support. Our hearts go out to them and we pray for them because he’s one of the lucky ones,” said Sheryle.
Memorial Hermann updates visitor’s policy as of Aug. 31
Read full article: Memorial Hermann updates visitor’s policy as of Aug. 31HOUSTON – As of Monday, Memorial Hermann will allow more visitors inside the hospital. As of now, one visitor per patient in acute care facilities, TIRR, and the Memorial Hermann rehab hospital in Katy and Children’s Memorial Hermann allows two adult visitors per day. Nursing facilities, imaging centers, breast care centers, sports medicine and Memorial Hermann Medical Group clinics continue to enforce no-visitors. Read more about the hospital’s updated policy here.
Police say street racers caused vehicle to roll off I-45. Mother and father badly injured, victim speaks
Read full article: Police say street racers caused vehicle to roll off I-45. Mother and father badly injured, victim speaksHOUSTON – Hedley Rivera and his family are thankful to be alive after they were involved in a crash last week. Houston Police Department said street racers caused the family’s truck to flip over several times and roll off Interstate 45 near Little York Road. "The car that hit us stayed there because (the car) burnt up, but the guys that were racing fled the scene,” said Hedley. "I broke my ribs, broke my chest,” Hedley said. “I give thanks to God all the time because I’m able to talk and be here alive," Hedley said.
Art Howe released from hospital after battling CoVid19
Read full article: Art Howe released from hospital after battling CoVid19HOUSTON – Great news to pass along regarding the health of former Astros Manager and player Art Howe, After battling the Coronavirus for the past two weeks Howe has been released from the hospital. Howe first started feeling symptoms two weeks ago on a Sunday and by that Tuesday he had tested positive for the Coronavirus. He went into quartantine but the symptoms continued and this past week he was admitted to a local hospital and spent a few days in ICU for treatment. “I am still having problems with my taste buds but hopefully that will improve,” said Howe. Now for Howe it is time to continue to recover and get as much rest as possible in the days ahead."
Houston Methodist first in the nation to be approved by FDA to transfuse donated plasma from recovered COVID-19 patient
Read full article: Houston Methodist first in the nation to be approved by FDA to transfuse donated plasma from recovered COVID-19 patientHOUSTON – Houston Methodist Hospital will be the first academic medical center in the country to transfuse donated plasma from a recovered COVID-19 patient to a critically-ill COVID-19 patient. "What we did is transfused COVID-19 convalescent plasma to two critically ill patients," said Dr. Eric Salazar, the principal investigator and a physician-scientist at Houston Methodist. Houston Methodist Hospital said the FDA must approve each patient using the donated convalescent serum. Houston Methodist said physicians began recruiting blood plasma donors on Friday from approximately 250 patients who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus at Houston Methodist hospitals. "This is like a regular plasma donation, and so we the donors have to qualify to be regular plasma donors.
Look inside the Katy infectious disease unit where local coronavirus patients will be treated
Read full article: Look inside the Katy infectious disease unit where local coronavirus patients will be treatedBut now, the Highly Infectious Disease Unit at Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital in Katy will be used to treat coronavirus patients. Inside this state-of-the-art, isolation unit, huge air pumping machines are used to constantly pump virus-contaminated-air out of each room and away from the hospital and other patients and staff. How many coronavirus patients are they treating right now? In all, Houston Methodist says it is currently treating 16 coronavirus patients — 12 presumptive positive patients and four confirmed coronavirus patients. Houston Methodist is also working in partnership with city and county officials to open three different mobile-testing centers for coronavirus patients.
A hospital organized a wedding for a terminally ill patient
Read full article: A hospital organized a wedding for a terminally ill patientA hospital in Delaware helped organize a wedding for one of its terminally ill patients and his fiancée. Doctors in August had found a small lump on Gus Jiménez's lung, his wife told CNN affiliate WABC this week. Then on January 31, the couple went to the emergency room at Wilmington Hospital, where Gus was admitted for dehydration. Just a week later, Gus and Rachel were at the altar -- in the Wilmington Hospital atrium. "The perfect definition is 'just bittersweet,'" Rachel told WABC.