LIVING ON THE FRONT LINE

A hidden army is waging war against COVID-19. Armed with mops, buckets and cleaning fluids they’re well and truly on the front line. We look at the vital role of cleaning in the battle to beat the virus.

THE RESILIENCE OF THIS TEAM IS PHENOMENAL

An army of more than 400 staff and volunteers has joined the front line in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Rebecca Clark, facilities management assistant, Clock View Hospital, Liverpool.

Michele McGee, Associate Director Facilities Management, is clear – cleaning plays a key part in preventing the spread of the virus. And her team has risen to an almighty challenge.

“You can’t overestimate how important they are. They control how clean and safe our environments are which, in turn, controls the spread of the virus. They are our front line in keeping our spaces safe.”

They've stepped up because they understand the vital role cleaning plays.

She admires how staff have responded to what could be an overwhelming situation.

“They’re scared like us, yet they’ve stepped up because they understand the vital role cleaning plays in getting us out of this safely. If they hadn’t the situation could be much worse.”

A dedicated Rapid Response team supports the regular teams when things get especially tough. When a patient comes out of isolation they go in and do a thorough deep clean from top to bottom.

Michelle McGee, Associate Director of Facilities Management

“The new strains of the virus have added pressure to an already difficult situation, with more infections and a heavier workload. We’d normally call on agency staff to help out, but other trusts are in the same situation, so gaining extra help is difficult.”

She recognises the demands being placed on staff.

“It’s a big ask” says Michele. “There’s no nice stuff. You’re sending people into areas where there is infection. It is a physically draining job and some staff are working 12 hour days, seven days a week. No-one is taking time off.

“A lot of people wouldn’t cope but that hasn’t happened here. The resilience of the entire Estates and Facilities team is phenomenal.”

ONE VOLUNTEER...

Joe Murray, Health and safety advisor

Health and safety advisor Joe Murray finishes his day job and goes back to work as a volunteer. He’s part of a team that responded to a call for help.

“I think if you can step up right now, you should. I’m enjoying the experience. I fitted staff for PPE masks at the beginning, so this is something new. You’re welcomed wherever you go, there’s a feeling that you’re part of something bigger.”

Cleanliness has always been an important part of what we do, but now it’s potentially life-saving. It’s been a real privilege to see how this team has come together, helping people, teams and services. Their dedication and professionalism has been second to none and the gratitude and respect that has come from the whole Trust for the work that they do will last long beyond the pandemic.

Elaine Darbyshire, executive director with responsibility for estate and facilities.

KELLIE’S HEROES

When Linda Norton watched from her Walton home as Clock View hospital was built, she couldn’t have imagined she’d be playing a central role in keeping its patients safe during a global pandemic.

Team Manager Kellie Jamieson

The 53 year old (below) is part of a facilities management team making sure every nook and cranny of every area in the hospital is thoroughly cleaned. They don’t stop, it’s continual, and it includes going into high risk areas.

Linda Norton, Facilities Management Assistant

Linda, who once polished wax dummies at Madame Tussauds in London says the biggest reward from her role is watching the change in someone as they are treated and recover from a mental health crisis.

“When they’re well again and they leave hospital, you’re proud to think you’ve played a part.”

Team manager Kellie Jamieson (above) oozes pride at the way her staff have responded to increased demands.

”My team is like a big family. They’ll go above and beyond. We’re all passionate about providing the best for our service users and staff.”

During the pandemic Kellie’s team, like many others across the Trust, has trebled its workload. On top of the daily ward cleaning there’s regular ‘touch point’ cleaning – taps, door handles and other points regularly touched.

Then there are deep cleans – where ‘absolutely everything’ in a room is cleaned. If a patient tests positive the team, in protective equipment, will move in to clean the space. It’s physically demanding.

Brenda Miller (below) has raised funds for ward activities by making felt angels and bracelets. She says when the going gets tough camaraderie keeps the team going.

Brenda Miller is part of the facilities management team at Clock View Hospital.

“We get through by all helping each other. When agency staff come in they say they want to work here!”

CLEANING AT HOME TIPS

Get rid of germs and dust mites in carpets with a ‘shoes off’ policy. Deep clean with a carpet washer every three to four months

Change your sheets regularly. Studies say 73% of us sleep better on fresh sheets

Freshen the air in your home. Living with mildew, dust bunnies and animal dander can trigger allergies, asthma and other breathing problems. Read more at The British Lung Foundation website blf.org.uk

You’d be amazed by how much bacteria lives on your computer keyboard. Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth

COULD VINEGAR BE THE SOLUTION?

Lynsey Crombie - Instagram: @lynsey_queenofclean31

Want to be environmentally friendly at home? Buy a bottle of vinegar. It’s a degreaser, has antibacterial properties and cleans mould and mildew. Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie from Channel 4’s Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners says it can be used in every room in the house.

For research links go to washingstuff.com