National Housekeeping Week brings attention to Environmental Services staff

Augusta University is excited to celebrate and recognize our hardworking environmental services employees during 2018 National Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week.

The University Department of Environmental Services staff works tirelessly to provide cleaning services and more for all campus facilities on the Summerville, Health Sciences and Forest Hills campuses, while Medical Center Department of Environmental Services staff does the same for the medical center and clinics.

With current staffing at around 100 employees, the university department provides services including general cleaning, restroom sanitation, pest control, waste removal, emergency services, event set up and more to 86 buildings spread over the different campuses.

“One thing I can say is that they’re typically the first people here in the morning,” said Derek Thornton, director of the Department of Environmental Services. “They’re the ones greeting our customers with a smile and standing by to help in any way they can.”

When adding in event planning, cleanup and functions around the campuses, the department has a lot to show for their dedicated work.

“When we talk about things we want to showcase — they do a lot on campus,” said Thornton. “They are very active and engaged in ensuring the facilities are up to par for every event and function in support of our goals here on campus. I think everything they do is a showcase, personally.”

The week’s activities will conclude on Sept. 14 with a department barbecue for day shift workers and a similar celebratory event for those on the night shift.

Augusta University Medical Center has its own Department of Environmental Services, which provides cleaning services to all assigned areas of AUMC and clinics.

With over 180 employees, medical center environmental services covers over 2 million square feet.

“The one thing that we tell all of our employees is that we are in the business of saving lives,” said Darren Gollon, director of medical center environmental services.

By cleaning all patient care areas seven days a week, ancillary areas like offices and conference rooms five days a week, daily cleaning in other areas and emergency cleaning as needed, AUMC environmental services makes sure patients aren’t exposed to anything harmful.

“This helps keep our patients safe and allows them to heal,” said Darren.

Staff for both the university and medical center helps to maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment for every person, no matter what campus they’re on.

“I’ve been in this business for many years and can honestly say the AU EVS teams are truly passionate about their jobs and care deeply about the environment in which we work, live and learn,” said Thornton.

Make sure to take some time and thank the wonderful people who work to keep Augusta University beautiful.

For more information on Augusta University’s Environmental Services contact Derek Thornton or view the department’s services online. If you would like more information about the Medical Center’s Environmental Services contact Darren Gollon or read about the services they provide.

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Written by
Emily Lacey

Emily Lacey is a writer in the Division of Communications & Marketing at Augusta University. Contact her to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at 706-721-6144 elacey@augusta.edu.

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Written by Emily Lacey

Jagwire is your source for news and stories from Augusta University. Daily updates highlight the many ways students, faculty, staff, researchers and clinicians "bring their A games" in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state of Georgia.

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