Beyond the Surface - an ISSA Podcast
The Healthcare Surfaces Institute (HSI) presents Beyond the Surface, a compelling podcast exploring the foundational role of surfaces in healthcare environments and their impact on patient safety. Each episode delves into key topics like Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), surface contamination, innovative materials, the role of surfaces in healthcare environment and how and why they support or hinder effective cleaning and disinfection practices.
Featuring healthcare professionals, infection control experts, materials scientists, and HAI survivors, this podcast blends powerful personal stories with expert insights to drive the critical changes that need to take place for improved infection prevention. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and help create safer healthcare environments.
Beyond the Surface - an ISSA Podcast
The Surface Problem No One Owns in Healthcare
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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.