When you think of the word “clean,” you might picture a sparkling kitchen counter. But in a hospital operating room, “clean” is a term of microscopic precision, where the stakes are infinitely higher. For the highly trained Environmental Services (EVS) technicians responsible for this environment, cleaning is not about tidiness—it is a critical, non-negotiable component of patient safety.
The Essential Workflow for Operating Room Terminal Cleaning
Analogy for Understanding: Think of Candida auris like a “microscopic ghost.” Long after a patient has been discharged, the fungus remains haunting the surfaces of the room. Using standard cleaners is like dusting the furniture while the ghost remains; only periodic interventions like this will truly clear the space for the next patient.
Microbes are everywhere—on your skin, in the air you breathe, and in the food you eat. They form a vast, invisible universe that shapes our lives in profound ways. While we often think of “germs” as simple enemies to be defeated, their stories are far more complex, surprising, and fascinating than we can imagine. From their discovery and evolution to their impact on our health, the interplay between microbes and humanity is a journey through the quirks and mysteries of life at the microscopic level.
Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). These microscopic mites burrow into the skin to live, lay eggs, and trigger an allergic reaction, leading to intense itching and a rash.
Hospitals generate a diverse range of waste types that require specific handling and disposal methods to ensure compliance with regulations, protect public health, and minimize environmental impact.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the various waste types generated by healthcare facilities, including examples and handling practices:
Proper Cleaning of Hospital Operating Rooms: Adhering to AORN Standards and Joint Commission Requirements Hospital operating rooms (ORs) are critical environments where cleanliness and sterility are paramount to patient safety. The meticulous cleaning and disinfection of ORs play a crucial role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining the trust…
This article is from several years ago but touches on many suggestions we can try today. Best Practices: The Latest & Greatest in Housekeeping and Maintenance Mary P. Malone, MS, JD, CHE, Executive Director, Consulting Services Division An important lesson I’ve learned about patient satisfaction with room cleanliness is that it’s not always…
I wanted to try a new approach with the staff so I shared with them the following in our morning huddle today: Question: What is the first thing that we notice when we enter a hotel room that we have paid for? Answer: We notice if it is clean and smells fresh. (…
When was the last time you were at your doctors office, or (and I hope not) at a hospital, and it was not as clean as you would expect? Unfortunately with the cleaning being demanding physical labor, it takes a good management team to bring out the best in cleaning results. As one who…