Moffitt’s Environmental Services Team Armed to Better Protect Patients
Moffitt Cancer Center’s Department of Environmental Services (EVS) marked a significant achievement as a second set of team members earned the Certified Health Care Environmental Services Technician (CHEST) designation.
The CHEST certification, provided through the Association for the Health Care Environment and the American Hospital Association, equips environmental services technicians with the skills to create and maintain a healing atmosphere within health care. Beyond improving infection prevention standards, the certification also emphasizes communication and customer service training, enabling technicians to connect more effectively with patients and improve the overall patient experience.
There are 226 CHEST certifications awarded in Florida with Moffitt accounting for more than 30%, making the cancer center the top employer of CHEST-certified technicians in the state.
Moffitt President and CEO Dr. Patrick Hwu congratulates graduate Tiffany Daniels.
The EVS team marked the occasion with an intimate graduation ceremony and reception. Family members and friends joined the celebration as the graduates stood proud in their Moffitt-blue graduation caps. Sharing words of encouragement and pride, Moffitt leaders highlighted the prestige of the CHEST certification and congratulated the hard work of the graduates.
“I’m so proud of this team,” said Moffitt President and CEO Dr. Patrick Hwu. “Statistics show that hospitals employing CHEST-certified staff have lower infection rates. Our patients already have some of the best outcomes because of this team and many others. When you see a patient being discharged from Moffitt, I hope you know that you played an essential role in their care and treatment.”
Terrence Wright, vice president of Facilities and Support Services, noted the importance of the designation for career building. He emphasized the immense value of the CHEST certification process in instilling pride and a sense of professional accomplishment.
“Our clinical partners could not achieve such amazing results without you,” Wright said. “You are the true spirit of Moffitt. Today, we mark another milestone in your commitment to this organization and our mission. You invested your time into us, and with this designation, we are investing in you.”
Sabi Singh, executive vice president and chief operating, officer noted the impact that the designation has already had on Moffitt’s patient satisfaction and infection rates.
“This year, our infection rates are trending downward, and your hard work is impacting those numbers,” Singh said. “Moffitt makes up the majority of these certifications in our state. You all are now leaders in your field. What an incredible milestone to accomplish!”
Tony Sanders, left, is presented with a plaque honoring his leadership by graduate Carlos Brown.
The graduates also had the opportunity to honor their fearless leader and director of EVS, Tony Sanders, with a special plaque commemorating his dedication to championing his team and empowering them to pursue these credentials. Carlos Brown, lead technician for linen services in EVS, presented the plaque to Sanders.
“Forging a career path isn’t easy, especially with family and personal commitments outside of Moffitt,” explained Brown as he presented Sanders the plaque. “More than anything, we want to thank our biggest supporter, the person who believes in us and knows that we all have something to offer. We hope that this small recognition shows our gratitude that we are better professionals because of your continued support. Thank you for everything.”
The graduation ceremony for Moffitt’s Environmental Services team not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the organization’s dedication to providing the highest standard of care for its patients.
More than 40 team members from EVS received their CHEST certifications during the graduation ceremony.
