HMSL Parking Changes: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is changing? 
To continuously improve safety, incident response and improve our patients’ experience on our campus, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be reestablishing the use of employee parking registration and stickers.

Why are we implementing these changes (car registration and stickers)?
Houston Methodist’s vision of unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation applies to all aspects of our work. Here are a few key reasons these changes are taking place:

• For improved security for all on campus
  • When your car is registered, security can locate you faster in emergencies, such as flat tires, open trunks, lights left on, etc
• For improved patient experience
  • We want our patients to easily find an accessible parking spot. When we make their parking and entrance to our buildings easy, it shows them we truly “live” our I CARE values.

Where do I park? What are the parking guidelines?
Due to volume and capacity restraints, we are asking employees to park in the garage closest to their department.

• Garage A – formerly known as Main Garage
• Garage B – formerly known a MOB 4 Garage
• Garage C – formerly known as Sweetwater Garage

In terms of surface lots, employees should only use employee-designated surface lots. There are only two: one outside of MOB 2 and another outside the Heart & Vascular Center. The majority of surface lots are reserved for patients and visitors.

Available parking is highlighted below. Please note, barrier gate arms have been installed in all campus parking garages to add security for employee parking. The barrier gate arms can open using either your employee badge or via your EZ Tag. Once your EZ Tag is registered, the gate will automatically open when you pull up. We also have great camera coverage and extra patrols in these gated employee parking areas. In parking garages A & B, badge access employee parking will be on floors 4 ½ and above. In parking garage C, badge access employee parking will be on floors 3 ½ and above.

What do I need to do?

1. Register your car(s) through one of the following ways:
   • Link: bit.ly/HMSLParking
   • Text HMSLParking to 45991 to receive the link
   • Scan the QR code on the parking flyer or posters with your phone camera to access the link
   • Access the link in our weekly newsletter
2. Once you register your car, Security will deliver your parking sticker to your manager.
3. You can place the sticker on the inside of your vehicle’s back window, either on the bottom left or bottom right corner.
4. Park in employee designated and approved areas (see map)
5. Update registration if your car changes via the same process above

                                        

Ex. employee parking sticker                                                             Ex. physician parking sticker

When do I have to do this by?
Beginning August 3, 2023, we will start registration and distribution of stickers. We are asking all employees to complete registration by August 28, 2023.

I registered, when and how will I receive my sticker?
Thank you for registering! The HMSL Security team will be processing registrations, assigning sticker identification numbers and distributing stickers to employees’ departments. You should receive your sticker within two weeks. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact security slsecurity@houstonmethodist.org.

Where does my sticker go?
The sticker can be placed on your back windshield, either on the bottom right or bottom left corner.

What if I have an old sticker from when I started?
Those stickers are no longer valid. All employees will need to register their vehicles to obtain a new registration number and a new sticker.

What will this cost me?
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be incurring all costs associated with this new process. There will be no charge to employees, assuming all guidelines are followed per HR01.

What if I drive multiple/different cars to work?
That’s OK! We know people may have different cars they drive or need to swap with a family member at times. When you register, you will have the option to register up to four total cars. And you can easily change in the future if you get a new car. Also remember, you only need to have your badge to access the parking garage arm gates.

What if I get a new car? Or lose my sticker?
No problem! If you begin driving a new car to work or lose your sticker, you can follow the same steps to register it.

1. Register your car(s) through one of the following ways:
   • Link: bit.ly/HMSLParking
   • Text HMSLParking to 45991 to receive the link
   • Scan the QR code on the parking flyer or posters with your phone camera to access the link
   • Access the link in our weekly newsletter
2. Once you register your car, Security will deliver your parking sticker to your manager.
3. You can place the sticker on the inside of your vehicle’s back window, either on the bottom left or bottom right corner.
4. Park in employee designated and approved areas (see map)
5. Update registration if your car changes via the same process above

What if I just have a “loaner” car for a short period of time?
We are not trying to make a cumbersome process for employees to get to work as they deal with life situations (e.g., repair work). For cars that you will drive for five days or less, no change is needed. If you will be driving it beyond that or possibly a regular occurrence, please contact Security at 281.274.7112 for guidance. You should still follow the parking location guidelines even with a temporary car.

Do other Houston Methodist campuses have this process in place?
Other campuses, such as HM West and HM Willowbrook, do have a registration and sticker process.  The installation for employee parking at several of our sister campuses has seen great improvement with vehicle damage and thefts for employees parking behind gated areas.

What if I work the night shift?
There are no differences in recommendations for night shift employees. You would still register your car and park in the appropriate employee locations.

Will my car information be shared outside of Houston Methodist?
No, information is only used internally for parking records and will not be shared with external entities.

Will my EZ Tag be charged if I use it to access employee parking inside of the garages?
No, it is simply used to gain access to our employee-only parking areas.

Who can I contact with questions throughout this transition?

• • Your current manager/director
  • HMSL Security Department
  • Your local Human Resources Department