Beyond the Surface - an ISSA Podcast
The Healthcare Surfaces Institute (HSI) presents Beyond the Surface, a compelling podcast exploring the foundational role of surfaces in healthcare environments and their impact on patient safety. Each episode delves into key topics like Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), surface contamination, innovative materials, the role of surfaces in healthcare environment and how and why they support or hinder effective cleaning and disinfection practices.
Featuring healthcare professionals, infection control experts, materials scientists, and HAI survivors, this podcast blends powerful personal stories with expert insights to drive the critical changes that need to take place for improved infection prevention. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and help create safer healthcare environments.
Beyond the Surface - an ISSA Podcast
Why Clean Environments Save Lives: Patient Safety & Environmental Services
In this episode, we sit down with Iris Verdi, Director of Strategic Accounts for Healthcare at KBS, to explore the critical role of environmental services in patient safety.
With more than 25 years of experience in hospital operations and EVS leadership, Iris shares how the focus in healthcare has shifted from “looking clean” to ensuring true disinfection and compliance. She opens up about the ongoing challenge of balancing patient flow with thorough cleaning, her personal experience as a patient in an unclean hospital environment, and why empowering frontline staff is key to infection prevention. From operating rooms to emergency departments, Iris highlights the need for better training, leadership engagement, and investment in cleaning as part of quality care.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, facilities leader, or patient advocate, this candid conversation underscores why clean environments save lives.