For Kaitlin Flood, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has become much more than a place to work. It has become a place where she feels connected to the people, patients and community around her.
“I’ve been at KHSC for six years now, and over that time it’s really started to feel like more than just a workplace,” Kaitlin says.
Born and raised in Kingston, Kaitlin started her career at KHSC as a nursing support assistant before moving into Environmental Services.
“I really enjoy being part of a team, and I like knowing that the work we do makes a difference for patients, families and staff,” she says.
Kaitlin works primarily in the Surgical Short Stay Unit, supporting the fast-paced environment where patients undergo day surgery. She also works across the Emergency Department, where the pace can be especially busy.
For Kaitlin, one of the things that makes EVS special is how much her colleagues look out for one another. When things get busy, she knows she can count on her team, and she tries to offer that same support in return.
“There are days when things get really busy, and you might have more work than you expected,” Kaitlin says. “That’s when you really see the teamwork. Someone will notice that you’re struggling to get caught up and jump in to help without you even having to ask.”
Kaitlin does the same for her colleagues. If she has caught up on her own work and notices someone in the Emergency Department needs a hand, she is happy to pitch in.
“If I see that they’re needing a little bit of help, or if I caught up on my work, I will go over and lend a hand because they are quite busy as well,” she says.
It’s that sense of shared responsibility that Kaitlin believes is at the heart of the Environmental Services team. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but it is something the hospital could not do without.
“I think sometimes people don’t realize just how important Environmental Services is in a hospital,” she says. “Cleaning a hospital isn’t the same as cleaning a home or an office. There are a lot of procedures we must follow, and there’s a reason behind everything we do.”
For Kaitlin, being part of EVS means knowing that the work she does contributes to the experience of everyone who walks through KHSC’s doors. Clean and ready spaces help care teams do their jobs, help patients feel comfortable, and help the hospital keep moving.
That connection to people and community comes naturally to Kaitlin, who has lived in Kingston her entire life.
“I’ve lived in Kingston my whole life, so it really feels like home to me,” she says. “One of my favourite things about Kingston is that it’s big enough that there’s always something to do, but it still has that small-community feeling.”
Outside of work, Kaitlin enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, Rosie and Bentley.
“Rosie and Bentley definitely have their own personalities,” she says. “They’re both a big part of our family, and they keep us pretty entertained. A typical day with them usually involves a lot of attention, playing, and probably getting into a few things they’re not supposed to be doing!”
Rosie and Bentley also love getting outside for walks, running around and chasing squirrels, giving Kaitlin plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Kingston community she has always called home.
From her work at KHSC to her life outside the hospital, Kaitlin’s story is rooted in community, connection and teamwork. This Environmental Services Week, we’re proud to recognize Kaitlin and the many EVS staff whose work is at the heart of what keeps a hospital running.
