Cleaning reaches new heights at Chelsea and Westminster
20 March 2006
Cleaning the parts that others cannot reach are Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s special abseiling cleaners who will be kick-starting spring cleaning events at the hospital on Monday 20 March.
Cleaning the parts that others cannot reach are Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s special abseiling cleaners who will be kick-starting spring cleaning events at the hospital on Monday 20 March.
It’s not something for the faint hearted as the 12-strong team will be scaling the 30-metre high atrium walls and panes of glass on the high level walkways as part of Think Clean Day.
The hospital has arranged a series of events to raise the profile of cleaning with staff, patients and visitors.
Wards and departments will be asked to ‘dump the junk’ and make an extra effort to report any cleaning problems or items of rubbish which need clearing up.
During the day an award will be made to the individual who has made the most significant contribution to improving and enhancing the patients’ environment at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Philip Holmes, Facilities Manager for cleaning services, said: “Keeping an area the size of seven football pitches clean and tidy is a big challenge and it takes over 200 cleaners to maintain the high standards of cleanliness which our patients deserve and expect. It is for this reason that the spring cleaning occurs every single day of the year.
“Today is about promoting the good work that is already underway at the hospital to improve the environment but also to demonstrate what can be done in a short space of time when everyone makes that extra effort.”
The Trust’s efforts are paying off. Last year it was given a clean bill of health by watchdog, the Healthcare Commission, following an unannounced inspection of cleanliness at the hospital. The Trust scored 97 per cent putting it in the top band of all hospitals across the country and in the top three of all acute hospitals inspected.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
A photo opportunity with the abseiling cleaners and Andrew MacCallum, Director of Nursing, will take place at 12 noon on Monday, March 20 in the main atrium at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH.
Reporters and photographers who wish to attend the photo call should contact Sarah McKellar in the press office on 020 7808 9899.