ASHES to Launch Initiative to Assist Environmental Services in Optimizing Operations

CHICAGO -- Responding to ASHES members and other Environmental Services (ES) managers challenged by inadequate industry guidelines for day-to-day operations to guide  performance to ensure a clean and safe health care environment, ASHES is taking the  leadership role in an industry-wide effort to establish best practices.

The National Environmental Services Performance Indicators (NESPI) project ranks  among the most comprehensive undertakings ASHES has embarked upon in its entire 20- year history. NESPI will compile, analyze, and report performance indicators for ES  disciplines for areas such as staffing, waste management and compensation, to name a  few.

In the coming weeks, all environmental services professionals will be asked to participate in this unprecedented national data collection effort. The survey tool will be accessible via the Internet utilizing state-of-the-art information technology to assure the complete confidentiality of respondents. The goal of this effort is to provide, in aggregate, realistic and viable performance indicators to help the profession reduce costs, improve productivity, and achieve optimal outcomes in all areas of responsibility. Technology-based reporting capabilities will facilitate the participants' ability to establish meaningful benchmarks based on these customized reports.

ASHES leadership, board, committees and staff will be calling on all ES managers nationwide ­- members and nonmembers alike ­- to respond to this important national survey. Environmental management must have access to accurate data that will enable today's ES professional to achieve excellence in an increasingly demanding environment. This survey and the subsequent enabling, hands-on tools are just another way ASHES continues to work to champion national best and recommended practices for healthcare environmental services. Watch for additional details and information on how

to participate on www.ashes.org

ASHES, of the American Hospital Association, is the premier professional association for environmental services, housekeeping, waste management and textile care professionals in the healthcare industry. ASHES provides educational programs, opportunities to network with peers on a national level, recognition for personal and professional achievements, as well as affiliation and collaboration with the American Hospital Association on public policy and advocacy issues related to environmental services.

Source: ASHES