In this issue:
   •ASHES News
   •Industry News
   •Regulatory and Accreditation News
   •ASHES Poll
   •CareerLink

ASHES 23rd Annual Conference and Healthcare Marketplace 2008
Grand Hyatt Hotel &  Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
September 7-11, 2008
Exhibit Dates: September 8 & 9
Conference postcard and registration information coming soon!

New Process for the CHESP Scholarship!
ASHES will pay the examination fee and provide a complimentary CHESP Review Guide for members of the society interested in becoming a CHESP. Complete both the scholarship and exam applications. Send both applications to ASHES; we have 19 scholarships available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Deadline for submission is February 15, 2008. Send the application or request more information by contacting Jamie Hartley at 312-422-3860 or ashes@aha.org. Scholarship application can be found at the link below:
http://www.ashes.org/ashes/lead/chesp/chesp_scholarship.shtml

CHESP Exam
This year the CHESP Exam administration at the Annual Conference will not be by pencil and paper. More information about how to sign up will be coming later in Spring.

COMING SOON!    The Business Case for Environmental Services
By now you probably think we forgot about our promise to deliver the new ASHES product on how to make the business case for environmental services… but we have not! The long awaited Business Case for Environmental Services will be loaded on to the Members Only section of ashes.org in a few weeks as a pdf file. The hold up was due to the decision to add even more value by incorporating the ties to the Institute for Medicine’s Six Aims for Quality and the operational manifestation of the Aims for EVS. Both products will be complimentary to ASHES members and a fee for service for non members. We will be sending out a member e-communications as soon as we load the product. Make sure you have your Members Only user name and password to access when the time comes. If you can’t remember your information, call Danielle Kruse at 312-422-3860 or email her at dkruse@aha.org

COMING SOON! Contracting Myths and Realities
ASHES is reprinting this valuable document and it is now available for preorder.  To purchase this publication contact the AHA Order Services at 800-242-2626 and ask for item number 057047.  ASHES members can get this publication for $95.00, non-member price $135.00.

What do you really love about your ASHES Membership?
Please send us, in 75 words or less, how your membership with ASHES has positively impacted you and why you're an ASHES member.  ASHES would greatly appreciate positive member feedback to include in an upcoming brochure, where potential ASHES members can read why other EVS professionals like YOU have joined the top healthcare environmental services association.  Comments can be emailed to ashes@aha.org with the subject line "ASHES Membership Feedback."  Please include your name and title.  We thank you in advance!  

ASHES Email White-list Information
Due to increased security in cyber space, some facilities may have to white-list email communication sent from ASHES. Please work with your Information Services & Technology department to allow ASHES to communicate electronically with you. ASHES email address: ashes@aha.org
Server information:
(Email sent to and from the ASHES mailbox would go to the addresses below in order of preference)
63.147.248.20                preference (5)
65.123.85.185                preference (35)

Server preference is used for redundancy/fault tolerance. In other words, mail to the ASHES mailbox flows through 63.147.248.20 as long as that server is available. If that server is down and unreachable, then it flows through 65.123.85.185.

Medical Reusable Textiles Seminar
The American Reusable Textile Association (ARTA) is offering up to 12 contact hours to those attending its upcoming seminar on Medical Reusable Textiles on April 30-May 1. For more information and to register go to http://www.arta1.com/

Study: C. difficile may cost hospitals more than $1 billion annually, February 04, 2008

Hand hygiene alone is not enough to prevent infections, February 2008

PPE Compliance Remains a Top Workplace Concern, February 2008

Striving for excellence: Infection-prevention success stories, February 2008

Connecticut Hospitals Address Multiple Drug-Resistant Organisms, January 30, 2008

EPA Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions – Massachusetts

Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality and Staphylococcus aureus co-infection, January 30, 2008

Joint Commission Announces Potential 2009 National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) Requirements and Implementation Expectations, January 2008
 
New Jersey law requires violence prevention programs, January 2008

Joint Commission On Line, January 2008

ASHES Poll
Last month we conducted the first montly ASHES Poll. We requested your input about benchmarks you can use in your department. To see the results, visit the new FAQ section of ashes.org. The FAQ section is a Members Only resource. If you have not done so, register on line at http://www.ashes.org/ by clicking on "Register" at the top left corner of the site. Then visit the FAQ section by clicking here or by visiting the website and clicking on "Learn."  

February's Poll
Take the ASHES Poll. The results will be posted on line, available to members only. This poll will close on February 15, 2008.

Exclusive Job Posting Services for ASHES Members
Currently there are numerous career opportunities listed on CareerLink, ASHES online career resource for members only. Listed below are just a few of the opportunities available. Visit CareerLink's web page for more information and listings.

Career Postings

Manager, Environmental Services
Position immediately available for an AHA Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) in Tacoma, Washington.  Must possess a total of 5 years experience; a minimum of 2 years specifically managing hospital housekeeping services within a Full Service hospital with at least 250-500 bed capacity and 3 years managing general housekeeping services.  Salary range $75-$85k with health benefits.  Call 210.412.1289 for additional information.

Posted 1/16/08
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Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT has an opening for a Manager of Environmental Services Evening/Night Operations
o Great Benefits Package
o Green Initiatives
o Diverse Staff
o $4,000 Sign-on Bonus
This position provides leadership in the planning and delivery of evening/night operations related to Environmental.  Specifically responsible for, but not limited to, overseeing housekeeping services to the operating and procedure rooms, emergency department, public areas, outpatient clinics, kitchens and dining areas. Responsible for the environmental services equipment inventory and maintenance.
Associate's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience. CHESP Preferred. Fletcher Allen proudly offers a non-smoking work environment. Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. Apply online at http://www.fletcherallen.org/ or email megan.brunovsky@vtmednet.org.

Posted 2/1/08
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Resident Regional Manager and Director of Environmental Services 
Crothall Services Group provides facilities management services to over 800 hospitals, colleges, schools, & businesses throughout the US.  In our Environmental Services/Housekeeping Division, our onsite managers train & direct hourly cleaning staff & administer our programs (many are software based).  Our objective is to raise cleaning standards and lower costs, promoting high customer satisfaction & retention.
Opportunities Available-
Chicago, Il
Oakland, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Tucson, AZ
Ohio (various locations)
Requirements: Bachelor's degree highly preferred
At least 5 yrs exp. at a director level in EVS
Excellent communication skills
Extensive knowledge & experience in JCAHO and OSHA
Strong financial skills
Proficient in MS Office
EOE & AA Employer http://www.crothall.com/  Email resume w/salary history to: Connie Steward, Recruiter, csteward@crothall.com -western region  Erin Prindle, eprindle@crothall.com -Chicago and Ohio region.

Posted 2/5/08
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