The health and safety of our patients, staff, residents and communities are always a top priority at Mercy Health. The unsung heroes who help maintain a safe, clean and sanitary environment in our hospitals and facilities are our environmental service staff.
These hardworking team members are key contributors to infection control and responsible for cleaning surfaces, disposing of waste and soiled linens, preparing rooms for new patients, reporting safety hazards and many more duties that help keep our facilities clean.
Meet Gayle Hood, an environmental service staff member at Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center. Like many who are inspired to work in health care, she was drawn to her current role because of her desire to help people.
“I have always wanted to be in health care. I absolutely love to take care of people in any way possible. I am also attending college to hopefully become an RN,” Gayle shares.
Typically, Gayle works on one floor in the hospital. However, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been working anywhere she’s needed. In addition to conducting her day-to-day responsibilities – cleaning restrooms, nurses’ stations and patient rooms – Gayle goes above and beyond for patients. She always tries to bring a smile to their faces or provide comforting reassurance.
“Gayle is hardworking, dependable, kind, and passionate about health care. She volunteered to clean the negative pressure unit to ensure the patients and staff have the environment they need to safely heal from this pandemic. She is a leader of her peers. She always puts patient and staff safety first,” says a nursing supervisor at Mercy Health – Springfield Regional Medical Center.
Thank you to Gayle and all of our environmental service staff members for your compassionate service to our patients. We could not serve our patients and communities without you.
Learn more about National Hospital Week and how you can send a personal thank you to our team members.
