Feng-Jie Zhang, Division Director, Dept. of General Business

The World Health Organization promotes the concept that "Clean care is safer care,"  emphasizing that a clean healthcare environment is essential for ensuring patient safety. Improving hospital cleanliness is a key strategy in reducing infectious pathogens. 

One crucial aspect of smart restroom management is public satisfaction. At National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH), we remain steadfast in our core values of Life, Love, Excellence, and Innovation. The hospital is committed to providing clean and well-maintained restrooms, ensuring visitors never face issues such as unpleasant odors or running out of toilet paper. A clean and comfortable restroom environment improves the experience for patients and visitors. It helps relieve workplace stress for staff, making them more motivated and engaged. A high-quality healthcare environment promotes a shared sense of well-being for the public and hospital employees. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in patient volume placed significant pressure on restroom cleaning staff. In response, the hospital implemented an innovative restroom management system, which includes people flow sensors, a real-time satisfaction feedback system, and QR code-based reporting tools for facility and cleaning management. These digital solutions help maintain seamless communication and allow the deployment of mobile teams to strengthen inspections and ensure hygiene. Considering that many patients visiting the hospital are unwell, unexpected incidents such as fainting or falls may occur. In such cases, the emergency alert buttons installed in restrooms allow immediate notification to medical and security personnel, enabling a prompt response. 

By incorporating smart technologies into restroom management, public satisfaction has steadily improved. This initiative was recognized with the 2024 National Health Quality Award (NHQA) in the Thematic Improvement category. At the same time, the project aligns with ESG principles by promoting transparency and efficiency through digitalized reporting and inspection. Ultimately, it enhances the overall healthcare experience by providing a clean, safe, and reassuring environment.