When Ocira James, a 65-year-old ex-UPDF was abandoned by a relative at Lacor Hospital, Aber went above and beyond self to care for him. She would bathe him, pick up food from the school cafeteria to ensure he was nourished, change his bedding, and wash his clothes. Her act clearly stated that family can be chosen and compassion knows no bounds.
In today’s fast-paced healthcare world, we often focus on the frontline medical personnel—doctors, nurses, and specialists—who dedicate their lives to saving and improving patients’ lives. However, lurking behind the scenes are our environmental service technicians, who are the lungs and kidneys of our hospital, detoxifying hazardous substances and preventing infections and contamination in our wards.
They are the backbone of our hospital, tirelessly ensuring that everything runs smoothly while creating a safe environment that allows medical professionals to focus on their critical tasks.
Aber’s responsibilities extend beyond assisting patients with daily activities, such as making beds and maintaining cleanliness in restrooms. She also monitors vital signs, observes patient well-being, and communicates any changes to the nursing staff.
Aber began her humble journey in 1992 from the tuberculosis ward as a cleaner and later joined the Radiology department. Fast forward, Aber discovered her true calling in the medical ward as a nursing aide, where she dedicated the last two decades of her life.
Beyond her role as a nursing aide, she has won her way into the hearts of many, she is a nurturing daughter, sister, compassionate mother, and a trusted confidant to her patients and their families and those forgotten and abandoned by their loved ones. Aber and the team in the medical ward have made the place a home far from home for these patients.
As Aber continues to impact lives in her role, we take this moment to celebrate and spotlight our incredible team of Environmental Service Technicians. They are the silent might of our hospital ensuring that every corner remains pristine and every surface gleams.
To us, it is not just about hygiene; it’s a tribute to the pioneering spirit of Florence Nightingale, who during the Crimean War, laid the foundation for modern patient care. Just as Nightingale illuminated the path to better healthcare, our Environmental Service technicians illuminate the way to a safe and healing environment for every patient who walks through our doors.
At the helm of our quality assurance efforts are Sr. Lajara Bety and Abalo Eveline Okot, the dedicated supervisors of our Environmental Service Technicians. They play an instrumental role in guiding our team, ensuring that high standards of cleanliness are consistently met.
With a focus on continuous improvement, refresher courses that empower our technicians with the latest knowledge and best practices in healthcare hygiene are done annually. Besides enhancing their skills, a culture of learning and growth is nurtured in our Environmental Service workers.
In their hands, cleanliness becomes an art form and a vital layer of care, reminding us that every detail matters in the journey toward healing.
Together, we weave a magical spell of compassion that not only enhances the healing journey for those we care for but also inspires each of us to recognize the profound impact we can have. We are reaching for the sky with efforts rooted in commitment and fueling our mission to deliver quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare to the needy.
Like a never-failing shooting star shining bright in the darkest of times, we are not just making a difference; we are transforming lives.
