One of the biggest resources an infection preventionist (IP) has is the healthcare facility’s housekeeping team, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.

“The role of environmental services (EVS) in infection prevention is only growing,” said Bobby Floyd, chief operating officer of Hospital Housekeeping Systems. “The EVS department is a frontline defense against (hospital-acquired infections) HAIs.”

Facility managers can strengthen this relationship by encouraging the EVS department to work closely with IP, the article said.

“Housekeeping is typically one of the largest departments in a hospital and covers the majority of the building. Therefore, housekeeping can be a resource for infection-control professionals by driving compliance and education throughout the hospital. An effective housekeeping manager works closely with the infection-control department to evaluate the effectiveness of the current program and drive change when needed,” Floyd said in the article.

Facility managers can help build the relationship between these departments by encouraging regular interaction.

Read the article.