Crothall Commemorates Edward Virbitsky by Naming Training Center in His Honor

Crothall EVS Training Pioneer, Ed Virbitsky, Remembered for Dedication and Impact

PITTSBURGH, PA – The healthcare environmental services (EVS) community is mourning the loss of Ed Virbitsky, a 30-year veteran and training leader at Crothall, a Compass One Healthcare company. Virbitsky passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and a profound commitment to his team.Virbitsky joined Crothall in April 2020, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and quickly established himself as a pivotal figure. He spearheaded the creation of a nationally recognized EVS training center, becoming a model for other Crothall facilities across the country. The center serves as a hub for best practices, equipping new employees with the skills needed to maintain vital healthcare environments.

Over the past three years, Virbitsky’s influence has been demonstrably felt at the nine hospitals within the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). He personally trained an estimated 250-300 associates annually, and his methods are credited with a greater than 10 percent decrease in EVS associate turnover – a important achievement in a demanding field.

“Ed didn’t just teach people how to do a job; he instilled a sense of ownership and pride,” said Matt Waggle, a colleague. “He understood that a well-trained, confident team is essential for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and patient safety.”

virbitsky’s training ideology went beyond simply outlining procedures.He believed in a hands-on, deeply practical approach. Waggle recounted an example of Virbitsky dedicating significant time to teaching new hires the intricacies of vacuum cleaner maintenance. “He would take apart the vacuum, rebuild it, and then have each associate do the same. He was thinking five steps ahead,ensuring they wouldn’t be sidelined waiting for repairs,but actively contributing to a smooth operation.”

His ability to connect with and effectively train a diverse workforce was also remarkable.Many new EVS associates at AHN do not speak English as their first language. Virbitsky consistently found innovative ways to bridge communication gaps,utilizing visual demonstrations,hands-on techniques,and unwavering patience. He’d guide computer use with a simple mouse movement or physically demonstrate cleaning procedures,reinforcing learning through repetition.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Virbitsky was remembered as a genuinely kind and caring individual with a sharp wit. he is survived by his wife, Bridget, and children Ella, Zack, and Ava.

The Enduring Importance of EVS Training in Healthcare

Virbitsky’s passing underscores the critical, frequently enough unseen, role of environmental services in healthcare. Robust EVS training isn’t simply about aesthetics; it’s a cornerstone of infection prevention and patient well-being.

Reducing Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols,taught through extensive training,directly contribute to minimizing the spread of HAIs,a major concern for hospitals.
Boosting Staff Morale & retention: Investing in employee training demonstrates value and fosters a sense of competence,leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover – a challenge facing healthcare systems nationwide.
Adapting to Evolving Standards: The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new pathogens and cleaning technologies emerging. Continuous training ensures EVS teams remain at the forefront of best practices.
The Human Touch: Virbitsky’s story highlights the importance of how training is delivered. A patient, empathetic approach, like his, builds trust and empowers employees to excel.

Virbitsky’s dedication to excellence will continue to inspire those who knew him and will undoubtedly shape the future of EVS training at Crothall and beyond.

What impact did Edward Virbitsky have on Crothall’s approach to infection prevention protocols?

Crothall Commemorates Edward Virbitsky by Naming Training Center in his honour

A Legacy of Healthcare Leadership & Training

Crothall Healthcare recently announced the dedication of its new training center to the memory of Edward Virbitsky, a pivotal figure in the company’s history and a renowned leader in healthcare support services. This significant gesture recognizes Virbitsky’s decades of dedication to fostering excellence in environmental services, patient transport, and overall hospital operations. The newly named “Edward Virbitsky Training Center” will serve as a central hub for employee growth,skill enhancement,and the advancement of best practices within Crothall.

Who Was Edward Virbitsky? – A Profile in Healthcare excellence

Edward Virbitsky’s career spanned several decades, consistently focused on improving the operational efficiency and quality of care within healthcare facilities. He was instrumental in shaping Crothall’s approach to:

Environmental Services: Championing infection prevention protocols and innovative cleaning technologies.

Patient transport: optimizing workflows to ensure safe and timely movement of patients.

Logistics & Materials Management: Streamlining supply chains and reducing operational costs.

Healthcare Consulting: Providing strategic guidance to hospitals and healthcare systems.

Virbitsky wasn’t just a manager; he was a mentor, known for his commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare support professionals. His emphasis on continuous learning and employee empowerment left a lasting impact on Crothall’s culture. He was a strong advocate for professional development within the healthcare support services industry.

The Edward Virbitsky Training Center: what to Expect

the training center, located [Insert Location if publicly available – otherwise omit], is designed to provide comprehensive training programs for Crothall employees across all service lines. Key features include:

State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs: Allowing staff to practice skills in realistic, controlled environments. This is especially crucial for infection control training and patient handling techniques.

Dedicated Classrooms: Equipped with the latest technology for interactive learning.

Specialized Curriculum: Covering topics such as:

Advanced Cleaning & Disinfection Protocols

Patient safety & Transport Best Practices

Leadership Development

Customer Service Excellence

Certification Programs: Offering opportunities for employees to earn industry-recognized credentials. Healthcare certifications are increasingly significant for career advancement.

Impact on Crothall’s Workforce & Patient Care

Naming the training center after Edward Virbitsky isn’t merely symbolic. It reinforces Crothall’s commitment to:

employee Development: Investing in the skills and knowledge of its workforce. This directly impacts employee retention and job satisfaction.

Quality Improvement: Elevating the standard of care provided to patients. Enhanced training translates to safer, cleaner, and more efficient hospital environments.

Innovation: Fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to emerging healthcare challenges.

Leadership Succession: Building a pipeline of future leaders who embody virbitsky’s values.

The Role of Training in Modern Healthcare Support Services

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Increased focus on hospital hygiene, patient experience, and operational efficiency demands a highly skilled and adaptable workforce. Effective training programs are no longer optional; they are essential for:

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): Proper disinfection procedures and infection prevention training are critical.

Improving Patient Safety: Safe patient handling and transport protocols minimize the risk of injury.

Enhancing Regulatory Compliance: Training ensures adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Boosting Staff Morale: Investing in employee development demonstrates value and fosters a positive work environment.

Crothall’s Commitment to Healthcare Training – Beyond the Center

The Edward Virbitsky Training Center is a cornerstone of Crothall’s broader commitment to healthcare education.The company also offers:

Online Learning modules: Providing accessible training resources for employees nationwide.

Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced professionals with newer staff members.

* Partnerships with healthcare Organizations: collaborating to develop and deliver specialized training programs.