AHE has started this initiative to encourage professionals in the field to begin, or continue to refer to the departments and the personnel caring for the healthcare environment as environmental services professionals rather than as housekeepers, janitors and custodians. The staff and management teams responsible for maintaining the clinical environment of care require different skills and competencies from those needed in the commercial cleaning and general maintenance industry and it's time we address this critical distinction.

Please help us redefine healthcare environmental services!

American Laundry News
Having an effective equipment maintenance plan is a key component in heading off laundry equipment breakdowns.

CleanLink
The proper tools and training are a must for correctly cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms.

Health Facilities Management
To prepare for the continued success of your department, experts recommend developing outstanding staff members through training, certification, and education.

CleanLink
At this time of year, proper handwashing among cleaning staff is more important than ever.

Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's first weekly update of the flu season, influenza activity in the U.S. is low so far.

Contagion Live
Those who have traveled to areas where Zika is common should do what they can to reduce the risk of mosquito bites for at least three weeks after returning home, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Inc.
Remaining positive in difficult circumstances and rising above drama are among the hard things successful leaders must do.

Forbes
Seeking differing opinions and embracing challenges are just two of the signs that you might make an exceptional leader.

By John Scherberger, BS, FAHE, CHESP

By Tom Mattice, CHESP

Make yourself indispensable and advance your career! Plan your education for 2017. Visit AHE’s 2017 ENGAGE site to learn more about educational courses, podcasts, webinars, and events. And make sure to check out AHE's EXPRESS Learning Courses. EXPRESS is a mobile learning platform that offers educational podcasts delivered by environmental services and infection prevention thought leaders. You asked for learning opportunities that require less of a time commitment and we delivered!

To acknowledge the ongoing and outstanding sustainability efforts of healthcare facilities - and environmental service departments in particular - the AHE presents the Environmental Sustainability Certificate Program. This program not only provides guidance on efficient, effective and value-added environmentally sustainable healthcare operations, but also provides it in such a way that is achievable within all budgets.