Darryl Simms

"The Manager who trained me as an Environmental Services worker was a woman who had experience in the hotel industry. In addition to the important tasks related to cleaning and sanitizing, one of the many things she taught me was how to make towel decorations. Not as something we were required to do, but a special touch to hopefully put a smile on our patients' faces.

I practiced until I perfected the towel swan and it's become my signature. Rather than just leave towels on the table, I always fold one into a swan. Patients and employees know I've been in a room when they see the swan. The response has been overwhelming. I even had a patient in tears one day. She said she'd been feeling terrible until she saw the swan and thought it was the sweetest thing. It turned her day around — it meant so much to me knowing I'd done that for one of our patients with such a simple gesture.

I really enjoy spreading that kind of comfort throughout my day - not only with the swans but with a smile, easy conversation, sometimes I make them laugh. I try to interact with patients whenever I enter their rooms. I'm in their space, so I want them to feel comfortable. I start by greeting them and maybe asking a question, but I let them take the lead.

It's just in my nature to engage patients while I'm cleaning. As a child I was in the hospital for quite a while after a bad accident. I remember the nursing staff was so warm and caring, which helped me overcome the feeling of loneliness. I've always wanted to do that for others. The way I see it, I'm often one of the first people patients see each day and sometimes I'm the only non-medical person they see all week. It makes me so happy that there are little ways I can make patients feel a little better.

I've got a bag filled with mementos from patients — cards, letters, and even small gifts. It's so gratifying knowing I've had an impact on so many people. I'm just a humble guy cleaning their rooms and saying hello each day. I love doing what I do."