Beyond the Surface - an ISSA Podcast

The Surface Problem No One Owns in Healthcare

In this episode, we dive into a completely overlooked surface and discuss a comment that was made recently as a person tried to understand what do surfaces have to do with EVS and cleaning and disinfection. Justin McKay, Co-Founder of RadCare Services, shares the personal story that sparked his mission to change how healthcare systems approach cleaning, disinfection, and accountability. After experiencing a preventable infection from shared protective equipment, Justin uncovered a widespread gap: no clear ownership, inconsistent cleaning practices, and limited guidance from manufacturers. What he found was alarming. From porous materials that harbor biofilm to “cleaning” processes that skip critical steps, many healthcare environments are unintentionally creating risk for both patients and staff. Together, we explore: * Why you cannot disinfect a contaminated surface * Biofilm and the challenges associated with killing and removing it * The gap between manufacturer instructions and real-world healthcare conditions * The hidden dangers of “high-touch” assumptions and human behavior * Why surfaces like lead aprons are ignored—but frequently touch patients This episode is a call to action for healthcare leaders, infection prevention professionals, and anyone responsible for patient safety. Because in healthcare, what you can’t see can absolutely impact outcomes.

Understanding UV Disinfection Technologies

In this episode, Linda Lybert sits down with Peter Gordon, Board of Education member, UV industry veteran, and volunteer with UV4Good, a nonprofit dedicated to education around photonic disinfection. Together, they unpack the complexities healthcare leaders face when choosing and using UV systems. Peter breaks down: * The different types of UV emitters (LED, mercury, xenon) and what they’re actually good for * Why line‑of‑sight, room layout, and human behavior can make or break effectiveness * How to evaluate sales claims, ask the right questions, and avoid costly missteps * What the EPA, FDA, and UK regulators are — and aren’t — doing * How hospitals can validate performance, build staff habits, and monitor long‑term effectiveness * The “Goldilocks zone” of UV: balancing pathogen reduction with protecting hospital materials Whether you’re an infection preventionist, environmental services leader, or just curious about the technology behind safer healthcare environments, this conversation delivers clarity, nuance, and practical guidance straight from someone who has lived it from both the technical and educational sides.

Building a Culture of Prevention

In this episode, public health leader and combat veteran Aaron Woodall joins Linda Lybert to explore the importance of collaboration across infection prevention, environmental services, and nursing teams. Together, they discuss how shared accountability, education, and proactive leadership can reduce healthcare-associated infections and strengthen safety culture in every facility.

An Expert’s View From the Hospital Bed: Inside the ER Experience

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner shares what it was like to spend 14 hours as a patient in a busy hospital emergency department. From observing cleaning practices to noticing gaps in infection prevention and staff training, Gavin offers a rare dual perspective—both as a healthcare safety expert and as someone receiving care. Together with host Linda, they discuss the unseen risks patients and families should be aware of, the importance of environmental services in infection control, and how a culture of safety must extend beyond patients to include staff, equipment, and the built environment.

Why Clean Environments Save Lives: Patient Safety & Environmental Services

In this episode, we sit down with Iris Verdi, Director of Strategic Accounts for Healthcare at KBS, to explore the critical role of environmental services in patient safety.  With more than 25 years of experience in hospital operations and EVS leadership, Iris shares how the focus in healthcare has shifted from “looking clean” to ensuring true disinfection and compliance. She opens up about the ongoing challenge of balancing patient flow with thorough cleaning, her personal experience as a patient in an unclean hospital environment, and why empowering frontline staff is key to infection prevention. From operating rooms to emergency departments, Iris highlights the need for better training, leadership engagement, and investment in cleaning as part of quality care. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, facilities leader, or patient advocate, this candid conversation underscores why clean environments save lives.