Methodist Healthcare is bringing the fun and color of Fiesta to its hospitals with a Fiesta float decorating contest for its employees, challenging them to use their creativity to incorporate the “Methodist Excellence” theme and logo in the design of a float. Entries will be slightly smaller than traditional Fiesta floats—they will be approximately the size of a copy paper box or smaller. Departments or units from any of the Methodist Healthcare facilities can enter floats. All kinds of materials will be used. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

“Methodist Excellence” is a set of nine behaviors, attitudes and expectations designed to cultivate a culture of excellence and adopted last year by employees at all Methodist Healthcare facilities. The standards are a tool that Methodist Healthcare uses to assure that customers’ needs are being met with concern and enthusiasm. The nine standards are: attitude, appearance, communication, compassionate service, ownership/pride, privacy, safety, teamwork/commitment to co-workers, and fun.

Judging of the entries will be at each participating facility as follows:

• Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, 1310 McCullough, Friday, April 11, 11 a.m.
• Methodist Hospitals in the Medical Center, John E. Hornbeak Building, 4450 Medical Drive, Thursday, April 17, 11 a.m.
• Northeast Methodist, 12412 Judson Road, Gazebo, Friday, April 18, 11 a.m.

If you are interested in doing a story, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488(cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 325-3294 (cell). For media assistance during the weekend, please phone Methodist Hospital, 575-4000, and ask for the public relations representative on call.