Safety, Cleanliness, and Care: The Vital Work of EVS at CVRMC

When you walk into Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, it’s easy to notice the nurses, doctors, and other clinical staff who care for patients. But there’s another team working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that every room is clean, safe, and ready for patient care—the Environmental Services (EVS) team. We sat down with TaiJae Banks, our Director of Environmental Services, to learn more about what his department does and why it’s essential to the hospital and our community.

Keeping the Hospital Safe and Welcoming

“The EVS team handles sanitation, cleanliness, and some aspects of maintenance,” TJ explains. “Our job is all about restoring the hospital and keeping it in good shape—making sure everything looks and feels like new.”

EVS plays a key role in patient care, especially in the mornings when the team is more patient-facing. They clean rooms, take out trash, reset bathrooms, and provide a hospitality-level experience while maintaining a safe environment. In the evenings, they manage patient room turnover, ensuring that each room is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next patient. At night, they continue their essential work across every department, keeping the hospital safe, sanitized, and ready for care.

Misconceptions About EVS

Many people underestimate the skill and importance of EVS. “People think we’re maids—and we’re not,” TJ says. “We are about safety and sanitation, not picking up every piece of trash in the hallway.” EVS staff do not handle patient linens or personal items, and they aren’t responsible for providing food or drinks, as patient safety, privacy, and infection control are top priorities.

A Team Focused on Growth and Excellence

TJ leads a versatile team of 17, and he’s committed to developing his staff’s skills, not just within EVS but across the hospital. Many employees begin in Environmental Services and eventually transition into other departments, equipped with real skills in inventory management, ordering, budgeting, and logistics.

Innovation in Action

The EVS team is also embracing new technology to improve efficiency and patient safety. Using Meditech for bed tracking and census data, they can monitor patient movement, discharges, and special cleaning protocols in real time. Electronic scheduling and checklists streamline workflows, and black light inspections help ensure high-touch areas are truly clean, not just visibly so.

Beyond Cleaning: Vital Work for the Community

“Environmental Services is just as vital as any other department,” TJ emphasizes. “We are all part of the same ship—nurses, doctors, housekeepers—and each person plays a critical role in patient care. These are highly skilled, deeply committed people who care about this community and your health. We’re part of the reason patients stay safe.”

From meticulous floor care to linen management and behind-the-scenes sanitation, the EVS team at CVRMC goes above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming environment for every patient, every day.

A Positive Start to the Day

Fun fact: if the department had a theme song, it would be “Good Day” by Nappy Roots. “We play it in the mornings sometimes,” TJ shares. “It sets a positive tone. We’re often the first people patients see in the hallways, and we try to bring good energy. No one wants to be in the hospital, but if you have to be, we want to make it as warm and welcoming as possible.”

Want to see how CVRMC’s Environmental Services team keeps our hospital safe, clean, and welcoming for the community?
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