LARRY MCCARTY

AFE speaks with Larry J. McCarty, Sr., MBA, CPMM, manager for The Methodist Hospital System in Houston, Texas, who is the immediate past president for AFE’s Region 9 Chapter. He has worked in The Methodist Hospital System for the past 13 years.

AFE: You volunteered as a participant on AFE’s new Critical Facilities Council. What are some of the key critical issues facilities professionals face in a hospital environment?

Larry McCarty (LM): I have experienced a number of critical utility failures stemming from natural disasters such as tropical storms and hurricanes and loss of city water and electrical supply to internal plumbing ruptures due to aging utility systems. One of the most costly natural events was in 2001 when floodwaters from Tropical Storm Allison interrupted electrical power resulting in failure of the HVAC systems, elevator service, running water and essential electronic equipment at the hospital. During this catastrophic event, The Methodist Hospital stopped admitting patients for approximately five weeks.

Hospitals, unlike many other facilities, must have redundant systems in place and a great response team in order to reduce the risk of property damage and ensure the wellbeing of patients, staff and associated occupants. One of the most important parts of disaster planning is to ensure that internal and external communication are not impaired. At The Methodist Hospital, we utilize a nationally standardize system called, the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS gives management the ability to approach hazards within the proximity of the scene in a well-organized fashion.

AFE: Do you consider yourself a part of the “first response” team in the event of a local emergency? As a facilities professional, how and why?

LM: At The Methodist Hospital, the entire facility management team plays a key role in the Incident Command’s organizational structure. The mission of the operations section chief is to develop and implement strategy and tactics to carry out the objectives established by the incident commander: organize, assign and supervise medical care, infrastructure, security, and business continuity resources. Infrastructure is where facility managers are most essential in making sure the hospital’s utilities and building infrastructure remain intact and operational so that patient care risk is minimized or eliminated.

AFE: How are you helping your colleagues within your AFE Region and your place of employment to be knowledgeable in the area of emergency preparedness?

LM: A variety of topics are discussed during AFE Region 9 facility tours and presentations. Critical features, redundancy and best practices are common topics. Specific indepth discussions on major catastrophes have not been a focus, but should as more and more facilities are aging and natural disasters are so unpredictable. Here at The Methodist Hospital, there are ongoing drills and discussions on response and actions required.

AFE: What other issues surface within your region as being of high importance to the members and how are they being addressed?

LM: One of the things I take pride in is listening to the voices of members and associates. One of the struggles members are having is time management. We are all so busy with balancing work, home and play…(and) in some cases a variety of professional associations are in competition for our time as well. Maintaining a balance of time in our lives is a very important part of our future. I understand the importance of time management and am looking into ways AFE can be a type of one-stop shop for those seeking an association focused on facilities operations. Our professional well being is just as important as food, sleep and exercise to a well-balanced lifestyle.

AFE: Regarding AFE, what’s next for you besides serving on the Critical Facilities Council?

LM: I will work very closely with the incoming regional vice president. I still have ideas to move the Region forward in a very positive and constructive way. There are several avenues of research that I have started and would like to complete soon. I have an interest in healthcare policy and law. It is very possible I will apply for a doctoral program in this field in the spring.

The Methodist Hospital System is a nonprofit health care organization based in Houston, Texas. Th e Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition since it opened its doors in 1919. As a private, adult teaching hospital affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University, it offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. Methodist also maintains various joint programs with Baylor College of Medicine. Its medical
staff includes dozens of physicians listed in Th e Best Doctors in America. Th e hospital, one of only a handful in Texas recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals, is among the country’s largest nonprofit health care providers.