NAME: JOHN
ROLE: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
LOCATION: SHRINERS CHILDREN’S CHICAGO
“It was such a small gesture but made a world of difference … this is what separates Shriners Children’s from so many other hospitals.” –Aubre
It’s not just doctors, nurses and therapists who make a big impact on our patients. John, who has worked at Shriners Children’s Chicago for eight years, is a perfect example of someone who is dedicated to providing positive experiences for patients. John works in environmental services (EVS), the specially trained team members who clean patient rooms and common areas in our healthcare facilities. He and the Chicago EVS team are regularly mentioned in patient surveys and on social media for knowing patients’ names and being so friendly.
John received recognition for going above and beyond to help motivate a little boy named Owen try a new sports wheelchair. His mother, Aubre, praised John on the hospital’s Instagram account @shrinerschicago.
“After therapy today, one of the recreational therapists volunteered to help Owen try out one of the athletic wheelchairs. We were trying to get him to chase us and play, and one of the employees walked by and jumped in to help,” Aubre wrote. “Owen loved it and was having so much fun.”
Mom captured the moment on video. Owen can be heard playfully calling, “I’m going to get you, John!”
A girl named Bella, who was at Shriners Children’s Chicago for scoliosis care, is another patient who knows that John is a special member of the team. She made a drawing to thank him after he formed a friendship with the family. John kept the drawing taped to his cleaning cart for months.
The custodial staff took the time to speak to us and ask how our child was doing,” shared another parent on their post-care survey. “An overwhelming and stressful experience was made much easier by the staff at the hospital.”
