The hospital-grade washing machines also use an enormous amount of electricity to launder the sheets; additionally, the water has to be heated to 160 degrees— per the CDC— which generates even more electricity.
● We have recycling containers throughout the hospital to ascribe to general environmental of everyday waste, including batteries which may have too many heavy-metal and toxic chemicals to be disposed of through regular trash.
In 2023 ORMC was named a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design( LEED)-certified building.
Continuous Improvement and Measurable Success
Our efforts have not only focused on immediate accomplishments but also on sustainable growth and continuous improvement. By analyzing our performance metrics, not only were we able to realize marked improvement in our HCAHPS scores since 2020 where we struggled to achieve our industry benchmarks, but being consistent with high-quality performance is also a product of our ongoing commitment to training, staff engagement, and a culture of accountability.
Moreover, we reduced team-member turnover from 46 percent in the third quarter of 2021 to 13.12 percent as of February 2025— which is lower than the Orlando Health system goal of 16 percent. This is a direct outcome of our employee engagement, across-the-board wage increases, education and certifications, along with department advancement initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of communication and support, we expanded our communication media throughout the department, being intentional that everyone was informed and involved. Leadership training provided through Orlando Health, coupled with attendance at key health care leadership symposiums, further empowered our team to excel in their roles.
EVS Team Member Council
The EVS Team Member Council provides a representative voice for the team members of the Environmental & Linen Services Department at Orlando Regional Medical Center. The council’ s mission is to stimulate positive change through the promotion of knowledge, awareness, and empowerment. This council consist of seven members of the EVS team members. It excludes supervisors and other leadership, allowing members to represent the entire EVS team and freely express concerns to enhance efficiency, communication, and department culture.
The Road Ahead: Building on the Foundation While we celebrate our remarkable achievements over the past three years, we remain acutely aware that success demands continuous effort and vigilance. The recognition as Department of the Year is not merely a badge of honor; it is a reminder of our responsibility to maintain and elevate the standards we have set for ourselves.
Going forward, our focus will remain on fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and compassion. We will continue to refine our processes, embrace innovative technologies, and prioritize patient experience to ensure we deliver predictable and high-quality service. Our team will actively seek feedback from patients and staff alike, to identify areas for improvement and celebrate our successes together.
Tales of Impact: Personal Connections That Matter
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of our service lies in the stories of impact that our team members created in the lives of patients and their families. A shining example is Raymond, a dedicated member of our EVS team. His compassion and genuine desire to connect with patients exemplified the essence of our mission.
Raymond recalls a patient who stayed on his BMT floor for 120 days. This patient, Mr. X, was admitted for a bone marrow transplant and an infectious disease. Despite not being scheduled to clean Mr. X’ s room until 2 p. m., Raymond visited him every morning. Over time, they developed a close bond, with Mr. X affectionately calling Raymond his son, and even promising to take him fishing once discharged and a bit stronger.
Considering the how difficult it must have been for Mr. X to have not been able to go outside for such a long time, Raymond suggested taking Mr. X outside for a few minutes. With the nurse and doctor’ s approval, they took Mr. X outside, where he was moved to tears by the fresh air and nature. Mrs. X was overjoyed and also moved to tears to see her husband so happy. This brief outing taught Raymond to appreciate the little things in life. Although Mr. X was discharged, he was readmitted a few days later. He reassured Raymond,“ Don’ t give up. We’ re still on for that fishing trip!”
Personal connections like these are the heartbeat of our department. They reinforce the idea that our roles transcend traditional job descriptions; we are partners in our patients’ journeys, advocates for their comfort, and sources of hope in challenging times.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Commitment
As we reflect on our journey, it is essential to recognize the collective effort, dedication, and passion of our team members that contributed to our success. Our victories in the face of adversity are a testament to our unwavering commitment to our mission. Winning Department of the Year twice in three years is not just about recognition; it symbolizes our resilience, teamwork, and enduring focus on the well-being of our patients.
ORMC’ s EVS department stands poised for the future, ready to tackle new challenges while remaining steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional service. Together, we will continue to nurture a culture of excellence, build lasting relationships with our patients and their families, and make a positive impact on those we serve. This is our journey, and we invite everyone to join us as we continue to write the next chapter in our shared legacy of commitment to care.
Marcia Williams, MA, CHEST, CNACC, CSCT, is an integral part of the Orlando Regional Medical Center Environmental Services department, serving as the administrative assistant to director Michael Parker. During her seven years with the department, she has also served as an ambassador to the facility’ s team members and is responsible for researching and packaging the numerous awards the department has received. She is also an entrepreneur and currently owns her own publishing company, Williams and King Publishers, which has spearheaded the publication of many literary works including anthologies, educational, fiction, inspirational, and children’ s books. Marcia believes in empowering her community, which she does with The Williams and King Foundation which supports youth literacy publishing books written by high-schoolers, donating books to inner-city kids.
30 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com • mar-apr 2025