Behind every safe, welcoming space at CAMH is a team working quietly and consistently to keep it that way. Environmental Services (EVS) staff are essential to patient care - maintaining clean environments, supporting recovery, and helping every person who walks through the doors feel respected and safe.
Just over a year into his journey at CAMH (and recently transitioned from a casual role to full-time), Alex works as an Environmental Services Attendant supporting spaces across the entire Queen Street campus.
From navigating service corridors to operating the tuggers that transport waste, Alex quite literally keeps things moving behind the scenes.
“I know the tunnels really well,” he says with a smile.
After completing specialized training to operate the tugger (the yellow cart that drives heavy loads throughout CAMH’s underground tunnel network), Alex now spends his shifts managing clinical and food waste, clearing spaces before and after busy periods, and ensuring units are clean and ready for patients and staff. It’s fast-paced, physical work that requires focus, especially during peak periods like before and after patient meals.
“There’s a lot to do when I come to work,” he explains. “You can’t always stop and talk, but when you can, it makes a difference.”
When Alex worked more regularly on units, he built relationships with patients, many of whom still remember him. “They say, ‘Hi Alex!’ when they see me,” he says. “They know my name, and I know their faces.”
For Alex, those small interactions carry real meaning.
That sense of human connection is what drew Alex to CAMH in the first place. Originally from the Philippines, he had already developed an understanding of the importance of mental health in nursing school. After coming to Canada, friends encouraged him to apply to CAMH.
“Mental health is important to me,” he says. “I’ve experienced anxiety and mental health problems myself. Here at CAMH, we value mental health, and I support that mission.”
Working in this environment has only deepened his perspective.
“I’ve learned a lot from patients,” he says. “I don’t see problems - I see people who want someone to listen and appreciate them.”
Alex brings that mindset into every interaction, believing that the energy he brings to work has an impact.
“You need to bring good vibes,” he says. “It can be hard for people to stay positive, so how we show up matters.”
He also understands that everyone in the hospital is navigating pressure - including clinical staff.
“Sometimes people are stressed, and communication can be hard,” he says. “But we all have the same goal. If we understand each other, we can help each other.
Within Team EVS, that support is strong.
“It’s a fun team to be a part of,” Alex shares. “We help each other, give advice, and share stories - about work, life, and positive experiences with patients.”
Those experiences can be unexpectedly meaningful - like the time a patient offered him a sweet treat while he was working.
“It makes me feel good when patients appreciate me,” he says. “Even while they’re recovering, they show kindness.”
Outside of work, Alex enjoys using music as an outlet to stay positive and grounded (by listening to his favourite artist, Celine Dion), and spending time by the lake or in nature.
Looking ahead, Alex has a clear goal: to continue his journey in healthcare. A trained nurse in the Philippines, he hopes to become a Registered Practical Nurse in Canada, and one day return to a hospital like CAMH in that role.
For now, he continues to make a difference in the way he knows best: through hard work, compassion, and everyday acts of kindness.
Because at CAMH, clean spaces don’t just happen...they’re created by people like Alex, who care deeply about the place and the people in it.
Environmental Services (EVS) staff work every day to support patient care and dignity. Their work helps protect patients, support recovery, and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for everyone in our hospital. Share your appreciation with an EVS colleague whenever you see them!
