Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Environmental Services

UP Health System is committed to providing a clean and safe care environment, and we are taking all precautionary measures to safeguard our staff, providers and those we serve against the spread of illness. Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. We partner with a national environmental services vendor to keep our hospital current on the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to Environmental Services

Is the hospital clean and safe?

Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. We partner with the Hospital Housekeeping Systems to keep our hospital current on the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare today.

What specific steps are you taking to maintain a clean and safe environment?

1. We comply with best practices for infection prevention of infectious diseases like COVID-19, which include:
   • following hand hygiene protocol and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times
   • ensuring availability and access to hand sanitizer and soap throughout the facility
   • using proper disinfectants, cleaning agents and supplies that meet state and federal infection control standards
2. Our teams conduct terminal cleaning and disinfection of all sterile areas, including operating and procedural rooms, in accordance with industry standards and best practices.
3. We have enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-touch items and surfaces in high-traffic areas of our facility, including our emergency room, lobbies, waiting areas, hallways, restrooms, elevators.
4. Inspections and rounding have been increased to monitor compliance of our multi-step cleaning and disinfection process.
5. In addition to reinforcing our routine cleaning techniques, we are also educating and training our teams on the latest guidance and recommendations for infection prevention related to COVID-19.
6. We validate the cleaning and disinfection of spaces and surfaces through ATP monitoring and testing. As an added safety measure, our hospital leverages fogging AND/OR UV-C ultraviolet light technology to disinfect isolation rooms and COVID-19 treatment areas.