Hospital Environmental Services Week-So Much More than Just Housekeeping
EVS staff clean and disinfect all areas of the hospital following the strict protocols for cleanliness and sanitation, removing hazardous waste, and even improving the patient experience by providing a clean environment and positive interactions with patients.
A clean and sanitary environment can positively impact the reputation of healthcare facilities, as has been proven true at Veterans Memorial Hospital. Just last the hospital’s Housekeeping Department earned the hospital the #1 ranking in the country for cleanliness, according to the Iowa Hospital Association. Out of the 3,267 hospitals participating in this HCHAPS survey, Veterans Memorial Hospital was ranked #1 in cleanliness under the category of ‘Patients’ Rooms and Bathrooms were always kept clean.’ This data was collected from 2019 through the first quarter of 2023 and includes not only the critical access hospitals in Northeast Iowa but almost all other hospitals across the United States.
The Housekeeping Department welcomes new members to their team working full-time with two different shifts offered per day, and they also welcome part-time staff, even accommodating high school students’ schedules as well.
Mary Dehli, Housekeeping Supervisor, moved her way up into this position after working as a housekeeper for 10-plus years. “My career over the years has been very rewarding and I have worked with some great people in my department. Our team today is mixed with young to nearly retirement age, giving it a great mixture of team members that give their best at taking pride in the work they do taking care of this hospital,” states Mary. “We can say as a team we take pride in paying attention to detail. We know it takes a team to accomplish this and earn that award. I also feel it takes all employees you come in contact with, on any given day to make this hometown hospital feel like home. When you feel that pride it is easy to do your job and do it well because we never know…. it could be our family member in here next!”
Kris Fahey joined the team about two years ago and states, “Unlike many jobs, at the end of the day, we can look back and see the results of our labor. The work, the people, and the benefits are why I stay here.”
Sabrina Manning joined the Housekeeping team shortly after high school and states, “I chose my career in Housekeeping because I was looking for a challenge every day. I stay because everyone is so friendly and always has a smile on their face!”
“I love to clean and with this job, I can really see the progress and difference I have made,” states Shania Dundee, who is also another young member of the Housekeeping team. “The staff here is amazing. Just working with the community makes a difference in everyone’s life.”
JoAnn Winters has been with the Housekeeping Department for 15 years and adds, “It is hard work, but very satisfying to help take care of the people in our community.”
For more information about Hospital Environmental Services, please contact the Veterans Memorial Hospital Housekeeping Department at 563-568-3411.
