cleanthoughts Change perception, Publisher Matt Gallinger mgallinger @ ntpmedia.com Associate Publisher Micah Ogburn mogburn @ ntpmedia.com Senior Editor Rich DiPaolo rdipaolo @ ntpmedia.com Associate Editor Aaron Baunee abaunee @ ntpmedia.com ext. 3159 that is the point ext. 3179 (516) 404-4532 A ext. 3157 An otherwise healthy school suddenly has an outbreak of Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). A hospital has an increase in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). In both scenarios, the reality is that the facilities’ cleaning staff is to blame. Fair? Since our last issue, rather since researching science’s role in our industry started, there have been skeptics. There are several debates at the core of the argument. For example, cleaners still provide an appearance-based service. Also, if we continue on this path of cleaner as infection control specialist, is the cleaner to blame if an outbreak occurs? These are two solid arguments. Before proceeding, I’ve never been employed as a commercial cleaner or as a service contractor. I do not have the experience of “winning” the account or keeping the customer happy. I do have experience from an unbiased, third-party viewpoint. Real lives tilt the issue A few years back, a relative was in the hospital for surgery. She is the head nurse at the hospital and we were sure she’d receive the best care possible. She got MRSA. After we found out, my wife and I drove six hours to be by her side. Upon arrival, I sat in the waiting area and, well, waited. Something telling happened that surely affected me more than anyone else in the waiting area. A “cleaner” arrived with a top product canister of disinfectant wipes. She didn’t look enthused. I proceeded to watch this cleaner as she used one — and only one — disinfectant wipe in the entire area. Don’t get me wrong; the seats and tables she was cleaning were low-risk for MRSA or HAIs. I thought, “Probably a tight budget and as long as it looks clean…” Remember, this is an appearance-based service. But then I thought about it more. This is an appearance-based industry and the appearance of the worker was that of poor quality. And, if this is the appearance that is being projected in public view, what hap-pens behind the scenes? Around the same time, a veteran of the cleaning industry called me on the verge of tears because his mother had just passed away as a result of MRSA complications. His hospital cleaning experience was similar to mine — cleaning crew used same dirty mop water in patient restrooms and around bed areas. Those of us fortunate enough to attend industry events and symposiums are well aware of the dangers practices like these pose. But your facility is doing a disservice to the community by not training and re-training cleaners and by limiting spending CM on product purchases. Sincerely, Account Executive Susan Pierce spierce @ ntpmedia.com Production Manager Chris Greenhouse cgreenhouse @ ntpmedia.com Art Director Taras Kufel tkufel @ ntpmedia.com Director of Business Operations Michael Perkins mperkins @ ntpmedia.com CMI ® Administrative Manager Kitty Finn kfinn @ ntpmedia.com (256) 715-0342 ext. 3133 ext. 3165 Editorial, Advertising & Publishing Offices NTP Media, division of 13 Century Hill Drive • Latham, NY 12110-2197 (518) 783-1281 FAX: (518) 783-1386 For subscription information local calls (847) 763-1867 or Toll Free (866) 721-4807 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Corporate General Manager Barry Lovette [email protected] Vice President of Operations Brent Kizzire [email protected] Chief Marketing Officer, Publishing Services Group Hank Brown [email protected] Vice President of Business Publishing Tracy Aston-Martin [email protected] Vice President of Finance Brad Youngblood [email protected] Director of Circulation & Fulfillment Delicia Poole [email protected] Circulation Manager Brandy Pate [email protected] Honorary Advisory Board: Mike Adams, Greenfield, IN; Stephen Ashkin, Bloomington, IN; Jim Brewer, Arlington, TX; Laura Dellutri, Lenexa, KS; Ron Goerne, Bloomington, IL; Russell Kendzior, Southlake, TX; Don McNulty, Blue Springs, MO; Bob Merkt, West Bend, WI. Richard DiPaolo, Senior editor Send comments or thoughts on this topic or any other article that appears in CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® magazine, to [email protected]. CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online™ Service at www.cmmonline.com 6 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • March 2009
CMM – Archives Mar 2009: 6
