Leadership Message: Clean spaces, safe places—every detail matters

Dear Colleagues,

At UC Davis Health, our commitment to excellence goes far beyond clinical care. A clean, well-maintained environment is a vital part of delivering high-quality patient care. Clean spaces are not only about appearances; they also communicate safety, trust, professionalism, and respect. Clean spaces help create a welcoming, calm environment that strengthens the healing process.

What patients are saying

Patients notice the details. Items like tubing or supply packaging, alcohol prep pad and other wrappers, gloves, or stray paper may seem minor to us, but for patients, they can influence their perception of their care. In a recent patient survey, 46% of patients who observed dirt or trash on the floors felt the issue could have been prevented. A clean environment sends a powerful message: You matter. We’re glad you’re here. You’re safe in our care.

A shared responsibility

Maintaining a clean, welcoming environment is a responsibility we all share. If every employee takes a moment to tidy a space or dispose of a discarded item, we reinforce our values of trust, kindness, and we bring excellence to life. Cleanliness is a visible expression of our commitment to our patients, one another, and the communities we serve.

How you can help

• See it, pick it up: If you notice wrappers, paper, or other small items, dispose of them promptly and safely.
• Leave no trace: Keep hallways, unit areas, and patient spaces free of clutter to support safety and smooth operations.
• Clean habits, clean spaces: Practice good hand hygiene after touching items or surfaces to help prevent the spread of infection.
• Support one another: Acknowledge and appreciate colleagues who consistently model these positive behaviors.

Together, we make the difference

Keeping our facilities clean and free of clutter reinforces that UC Davis Health is a place of compassion, safety, and exceptional patient care. Our patients see it. Our teams feel it. And it is essential to the care we provide. At UC Davis Health, every detail matters.

With thanks,

Christine Williams, R.N., M.S., C.N.S.
Chief Nursing Executive
Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
UC Davis Health

Joseph Galante MD, MBA, FACS
Chief Medical Officer
UC Davis Health, Hospital Clinical Care Services
Professor of Surgery
University of California, Davis

Kimberly Bleichner-Jones, MBA, FACHE
Interim Chief Operating Officer
UC Davis Health