Staff Report
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital has earned the Environmental Services Department of the Year Award for 2021, from the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) of the American Hospital Association.
The hospital received the AHE award in the 500+ beds category. AHE’s award provides recognition to hospitals nationwide for the outstanding achievements of a cutting-edge environmental services team in maintaining high levels of performance in cleaning, disinfecting, infection prevention, environmental sustainability and stewardship, technology use, patient satisfaction, education and training in critical areas.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital’s EVS department earned the AHE’s top award for its high patient survey scores for cleanliness of environment, adaptability to cleaning and disinfection protocols during COVID-19 surges, and high employee retention during a challenging year.
In addition to the AHE award, the EVS staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital will be featured as the cover story in the September issue of Health Facilities Management magazine.
“Our team of 151 professionals in the EVS department at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is committed to the highest standards for protecting the environment and health of all patients, staff and visitors,” said Nick Henderson, vice president of support services at Cottage Health. “Despite all the challenges from COVID-19, our EVS team has consistently set the bar higher to create new ways to enhance its performance for the benefit of our community.”
A Professional Membership Group of the American Hospital Association, AHE promotes awareness of more than 2,300 professionals working to ensure a clean and safe healthcare environment and quality outcomes.
