UTMB remains on emergency status. Employees and students will be advised when they can return. We don’t have an estimated date at this time.
Access to the island is limited to disaster response personnel. The incident command team and area supervisors are working on a plan to bring employees who live ON the island in to relieve staff. We don’t know precisely when, but will do our best to keep you informed. If you are a UTMB employee on the island and available to relieve staff who stayed through the storm, send your name and contact information via this blog, or call 409-747-9038.
Facilities update. Power, water and gas remain the primary issues. The portable generators are working and more are on the way. But most areas are still without air conditioning and lights. The county is working to restore water and natural gas lines to the island and hopes to have at least a temporary fix within 48-72 hours. Two cooling tents and a portable kitchen have been ordered to facilitate food services.
Information specific to the research community will be coming shortly.
Communication internally and with the “world outside” is still spotty. Internet connectivity has been restored in a few areas, but phones still aren’t working, with the exception of those in the command center — and even they aren’t completely reliable. Cell service is sporadic. And there is no email service. However, the National Guard is setting up a satellite dish now, and we hope to have improved communication capability within the next 24 hours.
We have established a central message board and will post phone messages and blog postings (to utmbinfo.com) for employees on a regular basis. We’re also working to establish a few external phone lines so employees can make personal calls out.
Supervisors are working to schedule relief time for employees who live ON the island to check on their homes. A curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. is being enforced on the island.
The Emergency Department has seen nearly 100 patients, but we are encouraging island residents to go to Ball High School (4115 Avenue O), where a DMAT team is stationed to handle the medical needs of island residents. A health station has been set up within the hospital to address any health or emotional needs employees may have.
Human Resources and Finance are working on issues related to payroll, benefits and general support.
Things are improving hour by hour. While everyone is exhausted and sweaty, spirits are still high and we’re looking forward to resuming normal operations as soon as possible. We want to thank everyone for their concern and support.
We’ll provide updates regularly.
Does anyone have any information about Dr. Bill Deiss?
He stayed during the storm and hos family has not heard from him since Friday.
I contacted the Galveston PD, and they informed me that the earliest that the general public would be let back on the island would be Wednesday, if not later. I’m not sure if this is official, but I just thought that I’d share.
I live on the island, currently I am in Dallas and I am available to relieve any personnel as soon as I get the go ahead. Please call me at 217-621-5907 or e-mail me
I live on Galveston, currently in Houston, I am a med/peds resident. I will be able to help as soon as I can get back on the island. 281-841-6001 (CELL).
I live on the island. I am currently in Corpus Christi but am available to return as soon as needed and when we can get back on the island. My phone # is 409-454-9377 or 361-241-6348. I am thinking of everyone there and praying for you. Ellarene
I am a Pediaric faculty, and am able to relieve folks in Pediatrics. I am currently in Austin. Contact me at 409-682-1369 or pager 409-643-3257.
I will meet with the nurese here in Austin this afternoon and find out who can come back to the island. Hopefully many of us will be able to come back on Tuesday…You can reach me at 281-250-4850 or on our emergency email system. Take care and keep up the heroic work you are all doing!!
When the post said “UTMB employee on the island” did that mean for those that did not evacuate and are still currently on the island, or those that normally reside on the island?
I live in League City and can return when the island opens to employees. I will try to round up Inhouse agency nursing staff who can help relieve the essential staff, when the island is open to public. I will start generating a list and can work on this remotely.
My prayers are with Galveston and UTMB family.
I live on the island and will be ready to relieve as soon as they let me in. Thomas Hoang Urology resident cell phone 832-594-9623. prayers are with every brave soul who stayed and we are here to relieve you ASAP. hang in there
I live on the island and am currently in New Bransfels. I am so ready to help in any way. I could possibly meet up with the nurses in Austin or have a friend drive me. My car is in the garage at UTMB. Thanks. Tricia RN IV Telemetry 7AB 409-771-0959
I am a third year internal medicine resident at UTMB and live on the island. I am currently in SugarLand and can come relieve the staff as soon as we are able to. Please contact me at 713-927-7352. Thank you.
At this point, Tia and I will be back in Texas on Thursday and hopefully will be able to get back on the island. We evacuated to Denver, and all flights are cancelled to Hobby and Bush. When we’re able to get back and examine the damage to our home, we will both be avaialable to assist. Hang in there. We’re very proud of all of you who stayed!
Jim McCurdy
I’m when you guys need me.Internal medicine resident. 405-708-2980
We are praying for all of you that stayed on the island and were very proud of you! Stay strong relief is coming.
Thanks Brandie
I am faculty in the SAHS/CLS department and live ON island. Please notify me if I can be of support to clinical laboratory services or any task necessary for the good of UTMB. Cell# 409-750-2274, 713-503-4522, 713-232-7223
I am in west Houston and can be there in 1.5 hours for UTMB.
Greg Whitlock, PhD, MT(ASCP)
I am an ICU nurse who lives on the island but is currently in Houston, about 1.5hrs away. I can come relieve/help when needed.
Thanks,
Robert
832-244-4349 (cell)
All,
I can be reached at cell 409-771-1554 or a message via land line at 254-526-7779. I have been in contact with some of the SICU staff and others. We are ready to come back and relieve. I can make calls, come and send people. Just give me the word. I think of all of you contatantly and can’t wait to see you. We love you all. Let us know when we can come and we will be there.
Jennifer ZIrkle
Nurse Manager SICU
Interim Director of Nursing TDCJ Hospital
I am an MICU nurse and I live on the island. I am in Houston at the moment and I can return to UTMB to relieve personnel when ever it is needed.
Thanks,
Monica
713-562-8176
I am an Internal Medicine intern currently in Houston but usually residing on the island, and am ready to relieve personnel whenever they let us back. My land line is 281-494-0798 (as my cell phone service is does not exist right now), please leave a message if I do not pick up.
I am a PGY1 in Internal Medicine/Preventive Medicine residency. I live on the island and can relieve personnel when needed.
cell: 248-921-2195
This is Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez, Urology, I am currently in Austin, Texas with my family. We live on the island and I know that there was water and wind damage to our home. I ready and willing to come relieve once the island is open for relief workers. please contact me 409-789-7517. God Bless everyone who has suffered a lost during this disaster.
PGY-2 anesthesiology, currently in the Austin area. Ready to help with relief in any way as soon as I am allowed back on the island. My thoughts are with you all. Cell: 915-613-8230
I’m in Austin with my wife and can be on the Island within a couple of hours. I can be reached at 409.392.0433, my UTMB address or the gmail address provided. Be safe and we’ll see you soonest.
I’m not a healthcare provider (just a lawyer) but wish to help. I live in Pearland and did not evacuate. Thank you to all who stayed and are working so hard. Your UTMB family is proud!!
First year internal medicine resident currently in Austin. Ready to help with relief when needed. 830.868.0945 My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am in Fort Worth with my family. Will be coming back to the island as soon as it is ready for the RV I am bring back. I have extensive damage to both my houses but will be there as soon as the authorities let me in. EMS-mail or phone (409-771-1993) is the best way to contact me.
Thanks to all the E1’s. Your dedication and altruism is heartwarming and wonderful. I hope that all of you get to your homes to asses the damages and hopefully, have a little peace of mind.
PS: anyone around that can back up a 30 foot RV? We will be novice drivers of this behemoth.
I am a Galveston resident but I am in San Antonio right now. I am available and happy to return as soon as possible. My phone number is 409-392-6578 or 409-795-0938. If you can get a message to Kathy Shingleton, please let her know that Debbie Conley received her message and plans to be at UTMB tomorrow. Thank you!
I live on Island but evacuated to Huntsville area, am able to be there to work if needed within 12 hrs. notice…am a PCT 409-771-5119
Thank you all for staying and taking care of our island and hospital. I’m available and eager to help in any way I can (e.g., manual labor, clean-up). If there’s a need, I’m also trained as a psychologist. I’m in Katy and can be there in no time. cell: 409-370-7485; e-mail: jetemple@utmb.edu.
All the very best,
Jeff Temple, PhD
Department of Ob/Gyn
I am in San Antonio and ready to return as soon as needed (I live on the island) in any capacity. Can be reached by cell phone 409-789-4281 or email.
I made it back to Houston from Austin today, I live on the island, and can come relieve hoewever neccesary this week through Friday…as long as I can get BACK off the island on friday (I only have someone to watch my animals here in Houston until then.) Thanks so much to all you brave people who are spending many hot, tired, hard working and probably scary hours locked inside our hospital. You know we can’t thank you enough.
my cell…409-789-9309
Forgot to say…I’m PGY 4 Anesthesia resident. Thanks
I evacuated to the Galleria area in Houston and am ready and willing to help in any way!
Cell 713.320.5094
Susan Hartland
SON
Professional Student Nurse (Nursing Aide)
I’m a SICU nurse, ready to return to relieve personnel as soon as possible. I’m currently in Katy and will be in League City by Monday morning. I can be reached by cell 713-449-8313 and any emails sent to l.avery4@gmail.com
Thanks,
Leslie Avery
Iam a 2nd year INternal medicine resident and i live on the island. I am ready and willing to help out in any capacity (medical, cleaning up,etc). I want to get our island beautiful again. I will be close to UTMB and can be there as soon as needed. I can be reached at 409 599 3548 or email madls@hotmail.com
I am in New Braunfels and will return to the island as soon as they let us. I live on the West End and have heard that I have little damage to my house. I need to check on my house and then make sure my children are taken care of. From what I hear, their will be no school for at least one week. I work on the Endoscopy Unit, but I am willing to help where ever I am needed. Please call me at 409-457-6870 or email me at ABoening@aol.com. God Bless to everyone who stayed and work through this difficult time. Also my prayers go out to all have have any damage to their homes.
Thanks to all of the people who have gone above and beyond to keep UTMB viable and to deliver care in this disaster. I am psychiatry faculty, live in League City, and would be willing to help. Contact info: cell 281-797-7942, email at mmstonemd@gmail.com
Our prayers are with all of you.
I work in Healthcare Epidemiology and will be happy to come back and assist. I can be utilized as a PCT or a Phlebotomist in the lab. If you need the help, please let me know. My cell is (815)263-4320.
I work in the Newborn Nursery. I’m an E1 and happy to help however I can. I am back in League City and can best be reached by cell at 281-910-8378. Hope all of you are well.
I am ready and I am available to return to UTMB as soon as possible; I work in the Development Office. We live on the island and are currently residing in New Braunfels while we wait to return. You can reach me by calling my cell 409-392-5698.
It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of people.
We are in Dallas but are ready to come back to Galevston as soon as possible to help.
-Ryan (anesthesia PGY3) & Kristin (radiology PGY3)
409.370.7953
I’m one of the pulmonoary and critical care fellows who lives on the island. Currently in Dallas. Would be able to come in to relieve medical personnel or anything else that I can do. My number is 214-287-9463
I am a PCT from OBGYN but am able to return anytime to work in any area. Am in the Huntsville area for now but live in Galveston. Can be reached at cell 409-771-5119 or cell 409-599-5394.
I am an RN on the ACE-Geriatric Unit. I am being allowed to return to my home in Seabrook today. I will be available to assist in any way needed. I have a full tank of gas and will be near. Please call my cell phone at 832-205-0731. Thanks.
I’m Tomo S, I am yet to hear from my friend who was on the Island. His name is Robin
Call me as soon as you hear from him.
Hey Dr. Tomo D. Sakai,
Have you heard about your friend yet? I guess you ought to have been back to TX to check the status of your license.
It’s been a while since I heard from you though…but I missed you a bit. Say hi to DR. Bryan and DR. Cole for me and Congratulations for your new AMA AWARD !!! I wish I never lost you
I guess your new catch is a bit loving cos it’s been a while since you hit me on mail.
I’ve been trying to get in touch with Dr. David Anderson but I learnt he traveled to east coast for his clinical services but I’m thinking maybe he might be on the Island..if anyone hear from pls call or email me at wardround9410@yahoo.com or call my cell
Regards
Dr. Robin S.
really glad that there’s good doctors out there. my Chicago OBGYN does a great job and every time I go to see John Weitzner he makes me feel alot better about my pregnancy.
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