Buckle up and hold on tight! We are on the fast track and don’t want to leave anyone behind.
What an exciting time this is for environmental services: Recognition as key professionals in response to national disasters, the threat of a pandemic and the proliferation of drug-resistant microorganisms have propelled health care cleaning professionals forward as important participants in infection control and patient safety.
As an organization, ASHES continues to support and promote environmental services professionals as a critical part of the health and safety of patients, visitors and employees.
Last November, for instance, we clarified our position on green cleaning. We made this decision to step up and show that we believe the key to effective decision-making is to utilize as much information, data and research as possible when evaluating whether to replace existing procedures. And, when it comes to cleaning for health care, infection control practitioners are our invaluable partners in selecting the appropriate products.
This promises to be another very busy and exciting year. On behalf of our profession, and at member request, here’s a snapshot of our new and continued activities into 2007:
- ASHES is becoming increasingly involved in regulatory issues that affect the way we do business.
- Our Web site is getting another facelift to be more streamlined and friendly while really driving the value of your membership dollar.
- We’re launching an online education platform for front-line ES workers, defining the competencies required for all levels of environmental services and tying them to performance appraisals.
- We’re actively promoting the National Environmental Services Performance Indicators (NESPI) as the budgeting and operational tool for your environmental services department.
ASHES is a great organization because of its members. I’m always amazed at the willingness of members across the country to answer questions and help others do a better job.
We have come a long way, but we still have plenty of road to travel. We need everyone’s help and I encourage you to get involved. We have many committees doing a great job of completing tasks, but their numbers are small and we are looking for a few good people to help.
We are committed to getting the work done and having fun in the process. Please join us.
Rose Hamann, CHESP
Director, environmental services and security
Blessing Hospital
Quincy, Ill.
Update: English competency training available
ASHES and Language Solutions LLC have made available to members “English on the Job,” a tool that utilizes traditional training tools and interactive voice recognition training software to help increase the English competency level of ES staff and address the challenges many health care organizations face to ensure their ES employees can accurately communicate with managers, co-workers, customers and patients.
For more information, log on to www.ashes.org, go to the “Products” drop-down menu at the top of the page and click on “Language Solutions LLC.”
That Web page features video presentations as well as a “Self-calculating Worksheet for ASHES Members,” which allows environmental services managers to gauge the value and cost-effectiveness of the language tool. ASHES members will receive a discount when purchasing the tool.
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