Many patients have written notes thanking Affi Hlomendi for her uplifting attitude.
A patient in the Behavioral Health Unit at LDS Hospital recently claimed the “universe sent a comforter in human form to be with me.” That comforter also cleaned her room and left an encouraging note.
It’s not the first time someone has felt lifted and inspired by Affi Hlomendi, an EVS technician who cleans rooms in the Behavioral Health Unit, according to her manager Pam Kelley.
“We often get thank you notes from the patients about how amazing and sweet Affi is,” Pam says. “They also mention how she brightens their day and they appreciated her kindness and how, even with the mask on, they can see she’s smiling and she’s amazing. I get stacks of notes like that.”
It sounds all very simple when Affi, who’s originally from Togo in West Africa, describes it.
“When I go to the patient room and knock on the door, I ask the patient, ‘How are you doing today? How was your night?’” she says. “After I finish cleaning the room, I leave my little note and say, ‘I hope you feel much better.’”
Pam says there are some EVS techs who are little uncomfortable cleaning rooms in the Behavioral Health Unit but not Affi. It’s clear Affi only sees them as people in need of help.
“I think you have to encourage them to feel better,” she says. “You must say something.”
A little encouragement from Affi seems to go a long way.
“She’s always happy and smiling,” Pam says. “We’ve had notes about how the patients enjoy her humming when she’s cleaning.”
Pam says she has a good crew and she is proud of the way they interact with patients. She specifically mentioned Gail Pratt, an EVS tech, who has been leaving notes for patients for years.
“Many patients have appreciated Gail’s compassionate work,” she says. “She’s even come in on her time off to help patients by cutting their hair. Having these type of empathetic caregivers on my team really makes a difference. They go way beyond the cleaning they are assigned to do every day.”
Affi says it makes her feel happy to offer an encouraging word and she says it’s just part of who she is.
“I don’t have to do that, but … I have to do that,” she says.