Which department is commonly responsible for environmental cleanliness in a hospital?

• A. Security
• B. Parking
• C. Environmental services
• D. Food service

Answer: (C)

Environmental cleanliness in a hospital is managed by environmental services. This team is dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting patient areas, corridors, and common spaces; handling waste and soiled linens; and performing room turnover between patients. They work with infection prevention to ensure proper disinfection protocols, especially for rooms after discharge or after a patient with an infection. This focus on maintaining a sanitary, safe environment directly supports infection control and patient safety, which is why they are the department responsible for environmental cleanliness.

Security handles safety and access control, not routine cleaning. Parking manages vehicle logistics, and food service handles meals and nutrition for patients and staff. While these areas are important to hospital operations, they are not responsible for maintaining environmental cleanliness.