Partners in Care: Environmental Services on the Front Line

Stories of Care

Environmental Services (EVS) workers are often expected to clean and disinfect rooms in which various infectious agents are present: Clostridium difficile, Candida aurus, SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis and many more. While EVS professionals have historically been an unseen part of the healthcare team, their role was coming more to the forefront before COVID-19. During the pandemic, their role was thrust into the spotlight as people debated about aerosolization and proper cleaning products. Pam Toppel, manager of environmental services for OSF Healthcare, joins us to discuss the vital role that EVS professionals play as members of the care team.