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
Experts examine the future of of the industry within the next 10 to 20 years.

CleanLink
To reduce the risk of slips and falls, consider choosing slip-resistant flooring and cleaning materials that are appropriate for the floor type.

Health Facilities Management
Sentara Healthcare launched a campaign to determine best practices for environmental services departments in reducing Clostridium difficile infections.

Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control
According to a new study, no-touch disinfection technology, such as UV light systems, can reduce C. diff and VRE infection rates.

Infection Control Today
New research suggests reason why people don't develop an immunity to the common cold.

Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control
Flu activity continues to increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest influenza season update.

Money
Important leadership habits include sharing knowledge, continuing to learn, and looking beyond obvious explanations of problems.

Forbes
Grit and emotional intelligence are important performance drivers, according to an expert on leadership.

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.