National Healthcare Environmental Services Week is the time set aside each year to demonstrate the importance of healthcare housekeeping department teams. This year’s theme is “Leading the Way to a Healthier Environment.”

St. Luke’s Hospital is proud to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the members of its Environmental Services Department (EVS) as it celebrates National Healthcare Environmental Services Week. This nationally recognized week gives St. Luke’s the opportunity to publicly express appreciation to the staff for the critical role they play at St. Luke’s hospital.

This partner in healthcare is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the entire building, providing seven days a week service. The EVS team, under direction of Chris Ray, works closely with many other departments within the hospital and in particular, with the Infection Control Department to provide a clean, safe environment for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers.

“At St. Luke’s Hospital, we have an awesome team in EVS and each takes their job seriously. Their work is vitally important to the health and safety of our patients,” Ray said.

Lourene Hicks has worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in EVS for five years and says she couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. “I love the people at St. Luke’s Hospital and getting to know everyone,” she said.

David McGinnis, an employee in EVS for two years, agrees, “I don’t have any complaints about my job. I enjoy my coworkers and the patients. St. Luke’s Hospital is a wonderful place to work.”

An EVS employee for seven years, Carolyn McAbee said, “I have great coworkers in my department and all the others. It feels good to know that we do a lot of good and help the patients of St. Luke’s Hospital.”

The care of an acutely ill patient requires teams of healthcare workers that coordinate their efforts in a planned systematic way. It is during this week that St. Luke’s Hospital is happy to recognize the important contributions of the Environmental Services Department and express gratitude for helping continue to provide exceptional care, close to home.

 

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by Jennifer Wilson