The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) recognized the work done by Beebe Healthcare's facilities department in its Lewes, Del., medical center by honoring the team with its national award for excellence in facility management, according to an article on the Cape Gazette website.

Over the past year, the Environment of Care Committee at Beebe, which includes representatives from the facilities department, patient experience, and environmental services, worked to develop a comprehensive spreadsheet tool. This tool included information logged by team members who took tours of the facilities to determine needs and issues to be addressed.

“The Environmental Tours Evaluation Tool is an excellent management program designed to contend with the progressing age of technology and the increase in process improvement initiatives. By identifying and removing the causes of defects, the tool has improved quality and efficiency,” said Sandy McCurdy, manager of facilities.

This year, the Environment of Care Committee also implemented a new calling system. By dialing 8000, a patient or family member can report concerns with their diet or food, room cleanliness, maintenance concerns such as temperature or a light bulb not working, or noise. 

Read the article.