At Children’s Minnesota, the environmental services (EVS) team plays a vital role in keeping patients, staff and visitors safe by preventing hospital-acquired infections through their diligent cleaning processes and special care of patient rooms and public spaces. In honor of EVS Week, Sept. 9 -13, we’re highlighting our environmental services superstars for the remarkable work they do on a daily basis. Some of the most important roles and responsibilities of this team include thorough patient room cleaning, linen distribution, bed and crib relocation, floor care and more. Each of these tasks contribute to Children’s overall values of putting kids first and providing the highest quality care to our patients and families. “Environmental services here at Children’s makes such a positive impact on the lives of not only our patients and visitors, but our colleagues, too,” said Cindy Hammiller, director of environmental services. “We as a team talk often about C.A.R.E.S. behaviors – compassion, accountability, respect, enthusiasm, service – and they truly embody those values.”
“Their attentiveness and sunny disposition change the atmosphere of a room the moment they enter it. They make a positive difference each and every day,” she added. As a way to celebrate EVS Week, our environmental services team brought their light and positivity to both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses with Smile Day, Sept. 10. “We want to engage the organization with EVS by sharing smiles everywhere we can,” Hammiller said. “Smiles are the same in every language; they break down barriers.” On Smile Day, smiley balloons were placed on every unit’s housekeeping cart and within each support department. EVS employees offered smiley pencils, notebooks, Slinkys and more to our patients. They also handed out candies for patient families and staff to enjoy, as well.
