New housekeeping provider
Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care have approved a seven-year agreement with Compass Group Canada to provide environmental services, also known as housekeeping, across 30 owned and operated acute and residential care sites.
Compass is a large and highly experienced environmental services company. The agreement includes a wide range of services that have the potential to help reduce hospital acquired infections, improve patient flow and cater to site-specific residential care needs.
How was the decision made?
Over the last year, VCH and PHC engaged in a competitive bid process for environmental services at our acute and residential care sites as the current contract with Aramark expires in September 2015.
A multidisciplinary evaluation committee— including clinical and operations leaders from across both organizations—was unanimous in recommending Compass during the final phase of the procurement process.
When will the change take place?
The transition will take place in four phases over the period of August to September 2015:
- Coastal sites: Beginning August 10, 2015
- Providence Health Care sites: Beginning August 24, 2015
- Richmond/Vancouver sites: Beginning September 7, 2015
- UBC Hospital and VGH: Beginning September 21, 2015
A smooth and safe transition
We would like to thank Aramark staff for their continued hard work to ensure the safety and cleanliness of our facilities. Compass has committed to exploring the option of providing employment opportunities for Aramark staff and will work cooperatively with VCH, PHC and Aramark to ensure the greatest stability in existing operations and service continuity.
Gillian Coates
This has potential to be hugely disruptive both practically and relationally. I am concerned that when a large number of new staff all start at once there will be significant burden on other staff as many new housekeeping staff work out their jobs, learn their way around and figure out the system. This has potential for a lot of stress and frustration for other VCH staff as the new housekeeping staff will not have experienced people to work alongside and to learn from. As well, many Aramark staff are part of the team of the ward or department they work on and they will be missed.
I hope consideration will be taken by VCH leadership to provide support and extra assistance for this transition.