CMM spoke with Marilyn Clifton about her environmental services (EVS) strategies as senior manager of support services at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
How long have you been working in EVS?
Marilyn Clifton: I will be employed with La Rabida for ten years as of August 10. My experience in the cleaning/housekeeping/EVS profession spans well over 28 years, and I am a Master
Environmental Services Certified Executive (MESCE) with the Indoor Environmental Healthcare and Hospitality Association (IEHA).
What are some of the biggest problem areas in the facility you clean?
Clifton: At La Rabida, we struggle with salt, mud, and other exterior debris being tracked into the hospital in the winter months, especially in high-traffic areas such as lobbies and main hallways.
How have you handled the challenges in these problem areas?
Clifton: My problem solving is more a process than a specific solution. I define the problems, list all possible solutions to the problems, and then implement a plan that my teams can execute.
Our approach to maintaining cleanliness within the hospital during the winter months involves a combination of techniques and specialized tools. First, I ensure that we use ecofriendly
products such as ice melts, which are particularly good at removing salt residue.
A significant part of our strategy is setting up anti-slip mats and monitoring high-traffic areas hourly so we can regularly clean with vacuums and floor scrubbing machines. We also created a
hazardous weather policy so that staff is prepared to follow the appropriate steps during these types of conditions.
Please give a step-by-step account of your problem-solving methods.
Clifton: I follow several steps to provide a structured and consistent approach to cleaning:
- Assure that all team members are on the same page by providing clear communication.
- Regularly review cleaning processes, including written instructions, to ensure they provide clear direction.
- Provide staff with standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are essential for maintaining cleanliness over various environments.
What advice would you give to other EVS workers who also struggle with these problem areas?
Clifton: Develop a detailed outline of each cleaning process, including the order in which tasks should be completed and the time it takes to complete them. Engage your staff and your supervisors in the development of these processes. Their input is valuable as they can provide insights for improvement.
