In a career spanning more than three decades, Remy DeLeon adheres to a forthright attitude about her job.
“I love working here. The hospital personnel are the best,” said Remy DeLeon, who started working at Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) 31 years ago in 1988.
DeLeon and other Housekeeping staff were acknowledged and honored during a weeklong recognition of Housekeeping Week that culminated with a luncheon at NHB September 6, 2019.
“This entire week and especially our ceremony here is very special. To have all of us recognized for our work and appreciated for all we do is such a wonderful feeling,” DeLeon added.
The NHB Housekeeping staff – all Skookum Contract Service employees – has earned the reputation as a dedicated group of valued team members who routinely staff three shifts, around the clock, for the entire week, throughout the year.
Days off are rare. The commitment to cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene is continuous in the military treatment facility setting.
Their selfless commitment has repeatedly been expressed and commented on by numerous beneficiaries, visiting officials and Navy leadership.
Capt. Shannon J. Johnson, NHB Commanding Officer remarked that NHB’s Housekeeping staff is known for continually implementing infection control measures and daily cleanliness that are hallmarks of their daily responsibilities of ensuring NHB remains safe and sanitary.
“In all the hospitals I have been in over the years in our Navy, NHB is without a doubt the cleanest hospital in Navy Medicine. In terms of your importance to our mission, the cleanliness is essential to our overall patient-centered care and safety. Housekeeping’s commitment as part of our team is vital to our mission readiness,” said Johnson, addressing the majority of the approximately 30 housekeeping staff assigned to NHB at the luncheon.
Skookum is a West Bremerton non-profit corporation that creates opportunities for people with disabilities. The three overlapping shifts are also known for their teamwork and camaraderie.
“Our Housekeeping staff are just a delight to be around. They are so positive and really such an important part of our team. They are so engaged. I appreciate the tremendous contribution our Housekeepers make to our mission. In my short time on board I have already had a chance to meet a number of these outstanding members of our team, and I have been consistently impressed with how gracious and committed they are,” Johnson commented.
Along with consistency in their work habits, a number of NHB’s Housekeeping staff can combine their continuity which adds to the familiarity with their duties. Along with DeLeon, several other employees have worked for approximately 30 years.
“It is so wonderful to come together all this week and show appreciation for all of our crew. I love my crew and I love our hospital staff,” said Violeta Candare, Housekeeping project manager with over 27 years of dedicated experience.
Other staff members who have lengthy careers of service working at NHB are Brunilda Gomez for 29 years and Darryl Wilder 27 years.
NHB Facility Operations Manager Mitch Hailey expressed his admiration by noting that from his standpoint helping to ensure the hospital’s cleanliness, functionality, safety and efficiency, the Housekeeping staff are a collective asset in the daily running of the entire command.
“In facility operations, there’s always something coming our way. But in the 12 years I’ve been here, not one day with any concern with our Housekeeping staff. They’re that good. We love you guys, and appreciate everything you do and who you are,” Hailey said.
The stated accolades, recognition and kudos extend far beyond just this day. At NHB it’s a year-round appreciation, of all three shifts, working around the clock, for the entire week, throughout the year.