Between the physical demands of cleaning every square foot of every facility and the pressure of serving on the frontline of a surging pandemic, Texas Children’s Environmental Services (EVS) team has thrived on a rare combination of compassion, courage and commitment.
“On a tough day, knowing that what I do matters for the kids and their families and knowing I am working with a good team motivates me to do more,” said Larry Williams, an EVS lead based at West Tower. “Seeing how hard the nurses and doctors work makes me want to work harder.”
There’s certainly no shortage of responsibilities to be handled by Williams and his colleagues, who report to their daily shifts without ever having the option to work remotely.
Maintaining safe clinical and non-clinical spaces amid COVID-19 has required team members to master new technologies, take on additional duties and adapt to ever-changing procedures.
The team cleans, disinfects and sanitizes more frequently than ever by focusing on 17 high-touch points in each room and making use of a UV lighting system – doing whatever it takes to minimize the risk of infection for patients and employees alike.
“Infection Control develops the battle plan and it’s our staff that’s the boots on the ground making the plan work,” said Elex Sanchez, director of Environmental Services and Sustainability. “For us, service is a purpose.”
‘If we don’t do it, who else will?’
A long-time professional in the service industry himself, Sanchez looks for EVS team members who appreciate the greater good. “I can teach you how to clean, but I can’t teach you to be kind and caring,” he said. “That’s something a person has to have in their heart.”
The team is also bonded by a strong feeling of family and willingness to help anyone they encounter as they travel the corridors and walk the floors.
“If we don’t do it, who else will?” said Jocelym Perez, a former EVS lead who is now settling into a new role in Guest Services. She will always have fond memories and a special connection to the team that helped make Texas Children’s a home away from home.
“We may seem small, but we do a big job,” Perez said. “We clean as if one of our family members is going to be in that room. We look out for patients. We take care of our nurses. That’s why we sign up and how we’ve toughed it out during COVID.”
‘Thank you just doesn’t seem enough’
As the executive for Environmental Services, Senior Vice President Bert Gumeringer knows the team’s work is viewed by every person who enters a Texas Children’s facility and sets a powerful first impression. Their efforts throughout the pandemic have earned them a place on our “Team of Heroes” as true infection preventers, he said.
“Your sacrifice and service is appreciated not only at this time, but all the time,” Gumeringer said in addressing the team. “Saying ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem enough. You have shown a commitment to service during these most challenging times and for that I will be forever grateful to each one of you.”