b"ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESVoices from the frontlineLessons learned from the COVID-19pandemic for environmental servicesBy Mark HellerL ike nurses and personal supportNovel approaches to skills training andGet help from workers, environmental servicesjob orientation were implementednon-traditional sources;teams faced the challengebecause of the strain on daily of enhancing infection preventionoperations, and these efforts helpedReimagine workand control measures during theto improve service quality, workplaceorganization models;pandemic. At the same time, they hadand resident safety, and overallLeverage technology to close an important role in maintaining aoperations efficiency. the performance GAP; andsense of personalized hospitality andAs communal living operationsRather than looking to thehome-like comfort while dealing with unprecedented strains on transition to a new normal, whatpast, seek innovation instaffing levels.innovative methods can transitionpresent-day adjacencies.forward, and how can we address The Covid-19 pandemic had alegacy knowledge?It is difficult to know where and how detrimental impact on environmentalto begin; however, there are resources services performance. WorkplaceThe consensus recommendationsavailable to help prepare for the next safety measures and the generalare to implement strong Infectionpandemic and they include:workplace strain resulted inprevention and control measures,Peer senior living facilities;which include enhanced training for accelerated staff turnover, whichenvironmental services associatesVendor partners;coupled with the need for more resources to maintain services(ESA). ESAs are on the frontline of Contracted service providers;resident hospitality, satisfaction resulted in a challenge to ensure newand safety. Additionally, ESAs play Consultants andhires were adequately trained and competent to face the challenge.a significant role in providing anperformance coaches; andUsing traditional skills training andenvironment that enables clinical and direct care staff to deliver their Canadian Healthcarejob orientation methods, COVID-19services safely and efficiently.Housekeepers Association. stretched some environmental services beyond their ability to ensureThe burden of ensuring properWhat became evident during the a qualified and experienced team oftraining lies solely on the hiringpandemic is a greater understanding support staff.organization. Novel approaches toof the critical role environmental skills training and job orientation,services have in shaping the mood, some of which were introduced in themorale and general well-being of pandemic to streamline learning andresidents, health care workers and accelerate knowledge transfer, can befamilies. Indeed, a high-performing normalized into everyday practices. environmental services team can make a significant contribution to the Your Trusted Technology Partner Another recognized requirementeffectiveness and efficiency of the Nurse Call is better accountability and controlfrontline care team. LTCTWander Management measures to ensure practices are in Wireless Emergency Call place and effective. Measures such as CCTV up-to-date standard work procedures,Mark Heller is President Access Control formal quality auditing systems, andof Hygiene Performance Reporting Software measures to document training and Wireless Locate Solutions Inc. Sta Duress evaluate staff competency must Smart Phone Integrations be improved across the spectrumThe Canadian Healthcare Public Address of providers. Some recommendedHousekeepers' Association Proudly servicing Ontario Long Term Care homesstrategies that arose from theprovides objective, high-for over 35 years pandemic include:quality technical resources, Contact us today for a free noProactively seek out leadingtraining tools, technicalobligation consultation of your nursepractice innovations; advice, peer mentorship, call technology needs. and professional education. 519-679-7370 Identify and leverage capabilitiesFor more information, visitfrom within theorganization;Visit us online @ www.mediamulti.com healthcarehousekeeper.org.Form novel partnerships; 46 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2022"