Iris
Housekeeping Department, Grace Hospital
The role of the Housekeeping Department at an acute care hospital is critical at the best of times, but during the time of COVID-19 the Department's level of responsibility is magnified. Housekeepers do more than merely clean; they also sanitize and keep our environment safe for those who are here.
Iris has worked in Housekeeping at the Grace for the past 18 years. Her hard work, dedication and friendly smile have always kept patients, visitors and staff safe on site. Iris commonly supports the surgical team, but her years of knowledge and experience mean she can be tasked with working in any area of the hospital. These days, in order to keep staff and patients as safe as possible during COVID-19, Iris, like other senior staff, has been re-deployed throughout the facility.
When Iris is working in patient rooms, she will be "terminally cleaning" room after room as patients come and go. That special type of cleaning ensures that rooms are germ and virus free. In common areas like the main lobby, she will be cleaning and wiping high contact surfaces like hand rails and door knobs literally dozens and dozens of times each shift. It is hard work that is essential to our health care system, especially now.
In Iris's own words; "I clean every room and surface like I was doing it for a member of my own family."
We are truly grateful that Iris is a member of our Grace Hospital family.