Ten HHS Accounts Named Among the Cleanest Hospitals in the U.S.
Every year, Becker’s Hospital Review compiles a list of hospitals with top-scoring HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) as determined by CMS based on scores received from the previous year. Ten HHS accounts were recognized among the nation’s cleanest hospitals, earning five-star ratings for cleanliness based on patient feedback collected through HCAHPS surveys. This recognition reflects our teams' hard work, dedication, and excellence at these facilities, and after speaking with several EVS directors, I discovered some common themes that contributed to this success.
A Culture of Excellence
A standout factor behind these top-rated hospitals is their positive and supportive work environments. Directors often describe their teams as “family,” emphasizing the importance of camaraderie, effective communication, and trust.
“Our team just gets along really well. We have fun together, and when it’s time to work, we get down to business. That balance helps us stay close. We know what’s happening in each other’s lives, whether it’s anniversaries or exciting personal moments, and we share all of that during our huddles.” - Esther Donez, Director, St. Elizabeth Hospital
This sense of teamwork lifts everyone's spirits and helps the team work more smoothly and get more done. When people enjoy working together and feel connected, they communicate better, solve problems faster, and support one another more effectively. As our teams have demonstrated, this closeness creates a positive environment where everyone can focus on doing their best, which leads to a stronger overall performance.
Leadership and Team Support
Hands-on leadership is a critical element in driving cleanliness standards. Directors highlighted the need for accessible leaders who are involved in day-to-day operations and foster open communication. At these facilities, leadership actively participates in daily huddles, rounds throughout the day, and provide cross-training initiatives that empower the team to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
“It’s not about micromanaging; it’s more like examining the hospital under a microscope. I ask myself, ‘If I were to walk through a med-surge unit, would I be comfortable with the carpet's appearance? Would the room meet my standards?’ I encourage my staff to adopt this perspective as well: ‘If this were your mother, father, relative, or friend lying in that bed, would you want them surrounded by dust and clutter?” - Tony Chalhoub, Director, Rivers Edge Hospital and Clinic
When team members are all accountable to these standards, we’re able to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure that every patient is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Patient-Centered Care and Feedback
In addition to prioritizing cleanliness, achieving high HCAHPS means these hospitals are deeply committed to providing exceptional patient care. Directors stressed the importance of treating patients with respect and compassion while actively gathering patient feedback to enhance the experience. In some cases, patients even remember specific EVS staff members by name due to their positive impact.
“When you're rounding on patients, they can feel that genuine spirit of support and care. We're always focused on making everything patient-centered, and that’s really at the core of what we do.” - Charlie Twiggs, Director, UCHealth Grandview Hospital
Frequently conducting patient rounding to gather insights directly allows EVS teams to adjust their cleaning protocols to meet and exceed expectations, improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes. This approach transforms EVS work from routine tasks into life-saving practices that support patient safety and care.
Continuous Improvement
A commitment to continuous improvement is another key to maintaining these hospitals' five-star ratings. Directors encourage their teams to identify areas for growth and implement new strategies to enhance performance.
“Every day, we strive to better ourselves by learning something new and improving. In my district, we have a model of raising the bar just a little each day. By focusing on this approach with our teams, we drive success, maintain consistency, and keep improving.” - Chase Wiges, VP, Arkansas Surgical Hospital
This focus on learning and development ensures a high standard of cleanliness while allowing teams to adapt to new challenges. By promoting an environment where feedback is valued and implemented, these hospitals can continue to thrive and meet the evolving needs of their patients.
Key Takeaways
For healthcare organizations looking to improve cleanliness and patient satisfaction, these practices are vital:
- Cultivate a positive, supportive team culture where camaraderie and trust thrive.
- Ensure strong leadership is involved in daily operations, accessible, and committed to team success.
- Focus on patient-centered care that incorporates respect, compassion, and patient feedback.
- Consistency and training ensure employees are well-prepared.
- Commit to continuous improvement to maintain high standards through ongoing learning and adaptation.
This national recognition of HHS accounts is a testament to the dedication and teamwork required to create a safe, welcoming healthcare environment. The featured teams were thrilled to celebrate this achievement, and we are proud to share their success.
The EVS teams at the following hospitals were featured:
- Arkansas Surgical Hospital
- Baptist Memorial Hospital
- CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
- Fleming County Hospital
- Prosser Memorial Health
- Red Bud Regional Hospital
- Rivers Edge Hospital and Clinic
- St Elizabeth Hospital
- UCHealth Grandview Hospital
- Valley View Medical Center
- Fairview Range Regional Health Services