The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Some heroes use mops
Front-line worker thankful for good thoughts
SYDNEY — We know heroes don't always wear capes, but now we know they sometimes hold a mop. Although most people do all they can to stay away from potential COVID-19 affected areas, Richard (Chad) Cruz, 31, an environmental services department employee with Nova Scotia Health, is one of the front line unsung heroes who heads into one every day.
“I clean the COVID assessment centre,” he said. “I go between there and the (Cape Breton) regional hospital every day.”
Cruz said he has always considered housekeeping important but feels the critical nature of the job was brought to light by the pandemic.
“I feel like we are doing important things every day,” he said. “A lot of people comment to us and we really appreciate that. We are grateful and feel blessed.”
Previously employed as a supervisor for Mcdonald's Restaurants, Cruz also worked part time for a company cleaning offices. In November 2019 he was hired by Nova Scotia Health.
A JOB HE LOVES
It's a good job which he loves, providing regular hours and allowing more time to spend with his family: wife Lyca and their children, three-monthold Calyl and Calyx, age 10.
With the pandemic spreading around the world, Nova Scotia Health provided Cruz and his co-workers with specialized training before the virus surfaced in this province. The training included the proper way to disinfect higher-risk areas such as the primary COVID-19 assessment centre. Training also included dealing with personal protective equipment and following the new public health protocols and guidelines.
Cruz admits with all the unknowns — just like everyone else — in the beginning, he was afraid.
“During that time my wife was pregnant,” he said.
“I was afraid as I am a front-line worker.”
His wife would worry when he'd head to work.
“She always tells me to take care and make sure to wash my hands, wear a mask and follow the protocols,” he said. “When I get home I have a bath before going near my family. My baby is now three months old.”
APPRECIATED
He takes pride in his job and knows the importance of it as he works to keep health-care workers, patients and the public safe.
As well as the primary COVID-19 assessment centre, Cruz also cleans the front entrance of the hospital and waiting area, especially focusing on frequent disinfecting of high touch areas.
What has touched Cruz is how many health-care workers acknowledge and appreciate the work of the environmental services staff.
Sometimes, he said, a doctor or nurse will pass on a note saying they are thankful for the good job the cleaning staff is doing.
Cruz said they are only doing their job but admits they appreciate the thoughtfulness.
“It uplifts us, especially as a housekeeper,” he said. “We feel thankful.”
Kellie Macqueen, eastern zone manager, facility support services for Nova Scotia Health, said across the province they have environmental service staff that are dedicated to the COVID-19 units and the primary assessment centres as well as casual staff who provide replacement coverage as required.
Macqueen said the protocols for cleaning and disinfecting COVID-19 assessment centres are not any different than protocols for precautions associated with droplet/ contact isolation and their employees are well-informed of the guidelines for infection control.
Nova Scotia Health staff follow strict infection control protocols and focus attention on high-touch surfaces with increased frequency of cleaning/disinfecting, Macqueen said.
“Our staff are very dedicated and work very hard to ensure the physical environment is properly cleaned and disinfected to keep our patients, staff and public safe.”