Texas Children’s Hospital Dedicates Nursing Excellence Suite in Honor of Houston Legend Dr. Lois J. Moore

HOUSTON (January 17, 2024) – Texas Children’s Hospital is pleased to announce the dedication of a new nursing excellence suite that will be named in honor of Dr. Lois J. Moore. 

The suite, which is located on the second floor of Texas Children’s Abercrombie Building, will feature a commemorative plaque that celebrates the legacy of Dr. Moore and her lifelong commitment to public service, health equity and the pursuit of excellence.

“We are honored to be able to pay tribute to the incomparable Dr. Lois J. Moore,” said Mark A. Wallace, CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital. “She is a passionate and courageous pioneer in the healthcare community who not only inspired an entire generation of nurses but who also paved the way for countless others to rise to leadership positions in the Texas Medical Center.”

Image

Dr. Moore began her career at what is now Harris Health System in 1957. As a registered nurse, she worked in an emergency room at a Houston hospital, providing exceptional and compassionate care to patients. Eventually, she rose up the ranks to become president and CEO of Harris Health System in 1989. Dr. Moore made history by becoming both the first African American and the first female administrator of a major public health care system in the Texas Medical Center.

As CEO, she implemented innovative medical care programs for the homeless, recognizing the unique healthcare needs of this vulnerable population. She also introduced school-based clinics, ensuring that children have access to healthcare services conveniently located within their schools. She left as CEO in 1999 but continued working in healthcare, serving as CEO of the Harris County Psychiatric Hospital. Since then, Dr. Moore has retired, but she remains active in the community and continues serving in numerous healthcare and minority-advocacy organizations.

“Dr. Moore’s tireless work as a champion for health equity has left a lasting impact on the entire Houston medical community,” said Jackie Ward, System Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President of Texas Children’s Hospital. “Speaking personally, her career has had a huge impact on many in the healthcare industry, including me – from healthcare to nursing academia. Dr. Moore paved the way for women and minorities to pursue their dreams and to rise to positions of leadership in healthcare, and her shining example will continue to empower future generations. Because of Dr. Moore, little girls who look like me can say, ‘I can do that. I can be a nurse and an executive. I can be a leader.’ We are so honored to celebrate Dr. Moore.”

Image

Texas Children’s is committed to nursing excellence and proud to dedicate a nursing suite in honor of Dr. Moore. Since 2003, Texas Children’s has been a Magnet-designated organization, considered the highest and most prestigious recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet designation reflects Texas Children’s commitment to excellence, and its award-winning nurses – inspired by pioneers and trailblazers like Dr. Moore — continue to maintain the gold standard for safety, positive outcomes and high quality patient care.

About Texas Children’s

Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.