Veterans Memorial Hospital ranked #1 in the nation in cleanliness through national survey

Veterans Memorial Hospital’s Housekeeping Department has earned the hospital the #1 ranking in the country for cleanliness, according to the Iowa Hospital Association.

The Association’s Quality Program Measure Trends Analysis is designed to provide hospitals with a comparative review of the quality data collected over time by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  This data is collected from hospitals across the United States through the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCHAPS) survey. This is the national standard instrument and data collection method for measuring patient’s perceptions of their hospital experience.

Out of the 3,267 hospitals participating in this HCHAPS survey, Veterans Memorial Hospital was ranked #1 in cleanliness under the category of ‘Patients’ Rooms and Bathrooms were always kept clean.’ This data was collected from 2019 through the first quarter of 2023 and includes not only the critical access hospitals in northeast Iowa, but most all other hospitals across the United States.

“Press Ganey is the survey tool that we share with our patients to collect our data for these HCHAPS survey results,” explains Bailey Estebo, RN, Assistant CNO and Quality Director. “We appreciate our patients taking the time to complete their surveys following their hospital stays and visits to our ER and clinics. Without this information, we would not know where we need to improve or be able to congratulate our staff on a job well done, as this has shown.”

Despite this prestigious award, the hospital’s Housekeeping Department does work short-staffed at times, like many other businesses these days. They are currently recruiting one full-time housekeeper to their team, with two different shifts offered per day. The Housekeeping department also welcomes part-time staff, accommodating high school student’s schedules as well.

Cindy Barness has been with the Housekeeping Department for four years and states, “The hospital is a great place to work with great benefits and nice people to work with. I love that in our job we also get to care for others and help people feel better by giving them a clean room. I wish I would have started here sooner!”

Kris Fahey joined the team about two years ago and states, “Unlike many jobs, at the end of the day, we can look back and see the results of our labor.   The work, the people and the benefits are why I stay here.”

JoAnn Winters has been with the Housekeeping Department for 14 years and adds, “It is hard work, but very satisfying to help take care of the people in our community.”

Other areas Veterans Memorial Hospital ranked very high in this survey included nursing communication, physician communication, communication about medications as well as overall quality of care.

“I am so very proud of our Housekeeping Department for achieving this #1 ranking. We have always been near the top, but now to earn the #1 spot truly puts us above the rest, showing that our Housekeepers are hardworking professionals who take great pride in their work,” states Michael Coyle, Veterans Memorial Hospital CEO. “In all the hospitals I have worked in during my career, this is the cleanest, most attractive and well-kept facility and I’m proud to be here.”

For more information, contact Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.