By Healthcare Facilities Today

The Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) of the American Hospital Association (AHA) is celebrating National Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week this week.

"We all depend on the critical and often unrecognized role of environmental services in quality outcomes," said Patti Costello, AHE executive director in a press release. "We celebrate, appreciate and recognize all the professionals working in healthcare environmental services for the extraordinary teamwork and leadership required to care for the complex healthcare environment."

"As a former health system executive, I have a deep appreciation for the important role of environmental services to the overall health care delivery process," said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. "We honor all the men and women of environmental services who spend countless hours leading teams, monitoring performance, preventing infection, maintaining sustainable buildings, lending a helping hand and working tirelessly to ensure that our healthcare facilities are among the best in the world."

AHE kicked off Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week with a video from Rich Umbdenstock to AHE members. Additionally, AHE is hosting complimentary webinars with their members each day of the week. The webinars are sponsored by 3M Building and Commercial Services.

Click here to learn more about Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week.

About AHE

The Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) represents, defines, and advances the professionals responsible for care of the healthcare environment to ensure quality outcomes and healthy communities. A professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, AHE serves more than 2,000 members. AHE provides education, networking and recognition for personal and professional achievements as well as collaboration with the AHA on public policy and advocacy issues related to the healthcare environment.