What is included in the term "environmental services" in health care?

The term "environmental services" in health care specifically refers to the processes and activities that help maintain a safe, clean, and infection-free environment for patients and staff. This includes waste management, which ensures that hazardous materials are disposed of properly to prevent contamination, and cleaning services, which involve sanitizing patient rooms, common areas, and medical equipment to reduce the risk of infections.

Environmental services play a crucial role in supporting overall patient care by creating a conducive healing environment and complying with health regulations. In contrast, staff training programs, patient therapy sessions, and dietary assessments do not fall under the definition of environmental services as they focus on educational, therapeutic, and nutritional aspects of patient care rather than the maintenance and safety of the physical health care environment.