The Role of Housekeeping in Patient Safety
By Matt Schmidhuber, Housekeeping Supervisor at Pershing Health System
When most people think of housekeeping, they picture mopping floors, emptying trash cans, and dusting surfaces. But in a hospital, housekeeping is much more than that—it’s about patient safety, infection prevention, and creating a clean, welcoming environment where healing can take place. At Pershing Health System, our housekeeping team is proud to serve as the first line of defense against the spread of germs and illness. Every surface we clean, every hallway we disinfect, and every patient room we prepare plays a role in protecting our patients, visitors, and staff.
On any given day, you’ll find our team busy disinfecting patient rooms, sanitizing high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and handrails, cleaning procedure spaces, and keeping waiting areas comfortable for families. But our work doesn’t stop there—we also clean the offices and workspaces that staff rely on every day. By keeping these areas sanitary and safe, we help protect the doctors, nurses, and support staff who care for patients. A healthy staff means better care for everyone. We also coordinate closely with other departments to ensure rooms are turned over quickly and safely so patients don’t have to wait for care. Hospital cleaning isn’t the same as cleaning at home—it requires the use of specialized hospital-grade disinfectants and equipment, along with detailed training in infection control. Our staff receives ongoing education to keep up with best practices, because in healthcare, there’s no room for shortcuts.
Beyond the technical side of our work, there’s also a very human side. Housekeeping staff often interact with patients and families throughout the day, and even something as small as a warm smile, a kind word, or making sure a room feels comfortable can make a big difference. These moments help ease stress and contribute to the healing environment that Pershing Health System is known for. While our uniforms may look different from doctors and nurses, we see ourselves as part of the same team, working toward the same goal: helping patients heal and go home safely.
Tammy Browning, Chief Nursing Officer at PHS, explains it best: “Our housekeeping staff are a vital part of the care team. Their work directly impacts patient safety and the healing environment. Nurses, physicians, and patients alike depend on them every single day, and we are grateful for the pride they take in their work.”
Clean and Healthy Environments at Home
With flu season just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to think about the cleanliness of your home. The same principles that keep our hospital safe can also help you create a healthier home environment. Taking a few simple steps can go a long way in preventing illness and keeping your family well:
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. Light switches, door handles, phones, and remote controls can harbor germs. A quick wipe-down makes a difference.
- Wash bedding and towels regularly. Fresh linens help reduce allergens and bacteria that can impact your health.
- Don’t forget the air. Change HVAC filters on schedule, dust vents, and consider an air purifier if you have allergies.
- Declutter for safety. Clear walkways and stairs to prevent trips and falls—just as we do in patient rooms.
- Practice hand hygiene at home. Encourage family members to wash hands after returning from school, work, or shopping.
At PHS, the housekeeping department takes great pride in knowing that our work goes far beyond cleaning—it’s about protecting lives and supporting recovery. Every disinfected surface and every carefully prepared room is one more step toward keeping our patients safe and giving them the best possible environment to heal. And with a few small changes, you can create the same kind of safe, healthy space in your own home.
