Health to Human International Medical Center (Healthuma)
Environmental Services Overview: Our Commitment to a Healing Environment
Last Updated:04/09/2025
Policy Owner: Vice President of Facilities & Operations
1.0 Our Mission and Philosophy
The Department of Environmental Services (EVS) at Health to Human International Medical Center (Healthuma) is a critical, integral component of patient care and infection prevention. Our mission is to provide a impeccably clean, safe, and hygienic environment that promotes healing, protects the health of patients, visitors, and staff, and upholds the highest standards of aesthetic excellence.
We operate on the core philosophy that cleanliness is a clinical imperative. Our work is not merely custodial; it is a foundational element of patient safety, quality care, and the overall Healthuma experience.
2.0 Scope of Services
The EVS department is responsible for the cleaning, disinfection, and upkeep of all Healthuma facilities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This encompasses over ALL of space, including:
Patient Care Areas: Inpatient rooms, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Emergency Department bays, Operating Rooms, Labor & Delivery suites, procedural areas, and outpatient clinics.
Public and Common Areas: Lobbies, waiting rooms, hallways, elevators, stairwells, restrooms, and chapels.
Clinical Support Areas: Nursing stations, pharmacies, laboratories, and sterile processing departments.
Administrative Areas: Offices, conference rooms, and staff lounges.
High-Touch Surface Cleaning: A dedicated focus on frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, bed rails, call buttons, and bathroom fixtures.
3.0 The EVS Team: Structure and Expertise
Our team comprises highly trained professionals dedicated to their craft.
3.1 Organizational Structure:
EVS Leadership: Director, Assistant Directors, and Managers with expertise in healthcare administration, infection control, and operations.
Shift Supervisors: On-the-ground leaders responsible for quality assurance and staff support.
Environmental Service Technicians: Our frontline staff, assigned to specific units to foster familiarity and accountability. Specialized teams handle areas like the Operating Room and Isolation Rooms.
Linen & Textile Services: Manages the distribution, collection, and processing of all linens through a certified healthcare laundry partner.
Waste Management: Manages the segregation, handling, and disposal of all waste streams (general, regulated medical, hazardous, pharmaceutical, and recyclable) in strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
3.2 Training and Certification:
All EVS Technicians undergo a rigorous, ongoing training program that includes:
Standard Precautions and Infection Control Protocols
Techniques for Terminal and Discharge Cleaning
Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Chemical Safety, Handling, and Dilution Systems (e.g., GHS)
Operation of Cleaning Equipment (e.g., floor autoscrubbers, UV-C disinfection devices)
Customer Service and Patient Interaction
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance
Many technicians hold certifications from recognized industry bodies such as the IEHA (International Executive Housekeepers Association) or ISSA (The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association).
4.0 Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols
Our protocols are evidence-based and designed to break the chain of infection.
4.1 Standardized Procedures:
All cleaning follows a master cleaning schedule and detailed task cards for each type of room and surface. We use EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including C. difficile, MRSA, and emerging viruses.
4.2 Frequency and Levels of Cleaning:
Routine Cleaning: Performed daily in all occupied and common areas.
Discharge/Transfer Cleaning (Terminal Cleaning): A comprehensive, meticulous cleaning process performed after a patient vacates a room. This includes disinfection of all surfaces, walls, furniture, and equipment, and the changing of privacy curtains. The room is inspected and must meet strict quality standards before a new patient is admitted.
Operating Room Turnover: A specialized, rigorous protocol between each surgical case, following guidelines from AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses).
Isolation Cleaning: Enhanced protocols for rooms housing patients with known or suspected infectious diseases. Technicians are trained in the specific PPE and procedures required for Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions.
5.0 Technology and Innovation
Healthuma invests in advanced technologies to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of our cleaning processes:
UV-C Disinfection Devices: Used as a supplemental measure following manual cleaning in high-risk areas (ORs, ICUs, isolation rooms) to eliminate lingering microorganisms.
Electrostatic Sprayers: Used to apply disinfectants in a fine, charged mist that evenly coats all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) Monitoring: We use bioluminescence meters to perform random and targeted audits of surface cleanliness. This provides immediate, quantitative data on the effectiveness of our cleaning.
Green Cleaning Initiatives: Where clinically appropriate, we utilize environmentally preferable cleaning products and practices to reduce the environmental impact and improve indoor air quality.
6.0 Quality Assurance and Performance Metrics
We are committed to continuous improvement and transparency. Our QA program includes:
Visual Inspections: Conducted daily by supervisors and managers using standardized checklists.
ATP Monitoring: As described above, providing scientific validation of cleanliness.
Infection Rate Correlation: We work closely with the Department of Infection Prevention & Control to track healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates and correlate them with cleaning efficacy data.
Patient Satisfaction Scores: Cleanliness scores from patient experience surveys (e.g., HCAHPS) are closely monitored and used for performance feedback.
Internal Audits: Regular unannounced audits by EVS leadership and the Quality Department.
7.0 Collaboration with Clinical Teams
EVS is not a standalone department. We are embedded in the care team.
Unit-Based Assignments: Technicians are assigned to specific units to build relationships with nurses and other staff.
Daily Huddles: EVS supervisors participate in clinical unit huddles to communicate priorities (e.g., incoming discharges, isolation needs).
Infection Control Liaison: A dedicated EVS representative participates in Infection Control committee meetings.
8.0 Our Commitment to Patients and Visitors
Privacy and Dignity: Our staff are trained to respect patient privacy, knock before entering, and schedule cleaning around care activities whenever possible.
Safety: We use signage to warn of wet floors, secure our carts and equipment to prevent tripping hazards, and ensure all chemicals are properly labeled and stored.
Responsiveness: We respond promptly to requests for spill clean-up or specific room cleaning needs.