Two Healthcare Providers Honored for Integrated Pest Management Excellence

Two healthcare organizations were named 2013 IPM Partner Awards winners by Orkin, The IPM Institute of North America and the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE). Now in its 10th year, the IPM Partner Awards honor facilities for their dedication to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) partnerships with Orkin. This is the third year the Awards have honored healthcare providers.

IPM is an environmentally friendly pest management approach that emphasizes multiple methods of non-chemical pest control and prevention. The two winning facilities were honored for their adherence to comprehensive IPM programs that focus on vigilant sanitation, prompt adherence to structural pest management recommendations, diligent record keeping and staff participation in IPM training sessions.

IPM can only truly succeed when there is a strong partnership, says Orkin director of quality systems Zia Siddiqi, PhD. Our 2013 healthcare winners have really gone above and beyond to maintain successful IPM programs and build lasting partnerships with their Orkin team.

The 2013 IPM Partner Awards winners in healthcare, selected from an elite group of nominees from across the country, are:

- Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, Fla.) A not-for-profit, National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center committed to excellence in patient care, research, clinical trials, and prevention and cancer control.

- Westminster-Thurber Community (Columbus, Ohio) - A not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community designed to meet the needs of older adults now and into the future with various levels of care: independent living apartment homes, assisted living, memory care, rehab and long-term care nursing.

By implementing a strong IPM program, these facilities have demonstrated a true commitment to the environment and the health of their patients, staff and visitors, says Dr. Thomas Green, president of The IPM Institute of North America. Were proud to recognize and award the 2013 winners for their excellence and encourage other organizations to follow in their footsteps.

As a co-presenter of the Awards, AHE brings a professional knowledge of the responsibilities and quality outcomes needed to maintain healthy communities in the healthcare environment.

IPM is a key part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Whats more, it helps healthcare providers meet Joint Commission requirements, says Greg May, director of environmental services, linen and sustainability at UC San Diego Health System. Our healthcare winners have demonstrated that they understand the importance of IPM and have made it a top priority in their facility.

Source: Orkin, IPM Institute of North America, Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE)