What are Hospital Environmental Services (EVS)?
Hospital Environmental Services Definition
Hospital environmental services (EVS), previously referred to as hospital housekeeping, janitorial or custodial services, refers to maintaining the health and safety of the physical environment in a hospital. It includes infection prevention and control (IPC) tasks such as cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, restrooms, emergency departments, and public areas, which lowers the spread of disease and helps reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
The goal of hospital EVS is to ensure that the hospital provides a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Key Considerations
Health and Safety Duties
Hospital EVS technicians are also responsible for removing trash and hazardous waste and properly disposing of sharps. In addition, many hospital EVS departments are also tasked with maintaining the safety of shared patient equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and gurneys, and facility management duties, such as light electrical work.
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A hospital’s Environmental Services department (EVS) is responsible for keeping healthcare facilities clean and sanitary. EVS services are indispensable to the operation of any healthcare facility on account of their procedure, benefits, and effects.
A team of professionals is responsible for maintaining the hospital’s physical environment as part of the EVS process. Using specialized cleaning agents and techniques, they clean and sanitize patient rooms, waiting areas, operating rooms, restrooms, and other hospital areas. EVS teams also collect, launder, and distribute hospital gowns and clean linens. They also maintain the floors, exterminate pests, transport patients, and perform specialized cleaning services.
There are numerous advantages of EVS services in hospitals.
EVS services aid in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Hospitals are susceptible to pathogenic bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted via contact with surfaces, objects, and individuals. EVS teams play an essential role in eradicating these dangerous pathogens, ensuring a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Clean and well-maintained healthcare facilities appeal more to patients and visitors, enhancing patient satisfaction.
The significant impact of EVS services on hospitals.
A healthcare facility’s cleanliness and sanitization can directly affect patient outcomes. Patients exposed to pathogens in a hospital are more likely to develop infections, which can result in more extended hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and even death. EVS services aid in the prevention of these unfavorable outcomes, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. In addition, clean and well-maintained healthcare facilities can attract more patients, boost staff morale, and reduce the likelihood of liability issues.
Hospital EVS services are an integral part of healthcare facility administration.
A team of professionals is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the hospital as part of this process. In addition to preventing the spread of infections, EVS services increase patient satisfaction. By providing these essential services, EVS teams contribute to the overall success of the healthcare facility, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care in a safe and sanitary setting.
