AHE has started this initiative to encourage professionals in the field to begin, or continue to refer to the departments and the personnel caring for the healthcare environment as environmental services professionals rather than as housekeepers, janitors and custodians. The staff and management teams responsible for maintaining the clinical environment of care require different skills and competencies from those needed in the commercial cleaning and general maintenance industry and it's time we address this critical distinction.

Please help us redefine healthcare environmental services!

Sandra Rials, Health Facilities Management
AHE is proud to announce the launch of its Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician (CSCT) program.

American Laundry News
Detailed emergency procedures and staff safety training can help to reduce the damage that can result from emergency situations related to hospital laundry.

CleanLink
According to a new study from The Freedonia Group, the demand for ultraviolet disinfection equipment is expected to grow by nearly 8% by 2021.

CleanLink
Training should demonstrate cleaning procedures and use of personal protective equipment.

Infection Control Today
Having a positive mindset on the day you get your flu shot can have a noticeable effect on how protective the vaccine will be, according to a new study.

The Sun Chronicle
Proper hand-washing techniques and knowing when hand-washing is a must can help you defend yourself from illness.

Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality
Among other recent findings, researchers have identified a non-antibiotic chemical compound that combat MRSA.

Inc.
Building and maintaining relationships with team members depends on building a culture of trust.

Forbes
Tips for young leaders including listening more than you talk and setting priorities.

By John Scherberger, BS, FAHE, CHESP

By Hank Carbone and Angela Becker

Make yourself indispensable and advance your career! Plan your education for 2017. Visit AHE’s 2017 ENGAGE site to learn more about educational courses, podcasts, webinars, and events. And make sure to check out AHE's EXPRESS Learning Courses. EXPRESS is a mobile learning platform that offers educational podcasts delivered by environmental services and infection prevention thought leaders. You asked for learning opportunities that require less of a time commitment and we delivered!

The designation of AHE Fellow (FAHE) recognizes current AHE members for reaching the highest level of education and achievement in both the Association and in the environmental services field. Only presented to Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professionals (CHESP), FAHE status is given to active members who have excelled in specific areas and have submitted an acceptable, original, unpublished paper on a current aspect of environmental services.