The Deputy Housekeeping Manager at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has cleaned up, after being successfully shortlisted in prestigious awards, which are in association with NHS England.
Abi Davies is a shortlisted finalist in the MyCleaning Awards – a national celebration of all things healthcare cleaning and domestics, aiming to shine a light on the profile of healthcare cleaning and the knowledge and expertise required in these roles.
She has been shortlisted in the Newcomer of the Year category after being nominated by Sian Langford, Facilities Compliance Manager, and Martine Williams, Facilities Operational Manager, at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital.
The Newcomer of the Year Award recognises individuals with an appetite to learn from the moment they stepped through their hospital doors. It aims to shine a light on someone who has taken to their role and can be seen as a benchmark for success to encourage others to follow suit, helping to showcase healthcare cleaning as a potential career option.
In the nomination Sian said: “Abi has been a real success story for our Estates and Facilities Team. Originally joining us as administration apprentice, she worked through her NVQ before securing a substantive role, offering admin support to the Estates and Facilities Management team.
“Abi’s inquisitive nature meant she developed a breadth of knowledge of all the services across the various departments – before showing a real interest in the next step of her career lying within our housekeeping team.
“We supported work shadowing, which Abi used to her advantage by completing a successful interview for the Deputy Housekeeper role.”
Martine added: “I can’t speak highly enough about Abi’s attitude. She spent time immersing herself in the team, always repeating ‘I need to understand the role to be able to be an effective manager’, she worked alongside members of the team across all wards, departments and shift patterns, whilst developing a robust knowledge base by completing various qualifications.
“Clinical managers have also highlighted to us how Abi has engaged with their teams – always advocating for patient safety.
“Her introduction to the team has been nothing but a success, and we’re already seeing her eagerness to learn expand into other areas. There is more to come from Abi, we are sure!”
The Housekeeping Team at the Oswestry-based hospital are no strangers to praise with wards and rooms being ranked as the cleanest in the country for four years in a row by patients.
Abi said: “I was really shocked to find out I’ve been shortlisted in the MyCleaning Awards. I had no idea Sian and Martine had nominated me but I’m grateful for their kind words and support throughout my career so far.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Lisa Soden, my manager, as I wouldn’t have gotten this far without her advice and help.
“I really enjoy my role and being part of the Housekeeping Team – I’m lucky to work alongside some great people.”
Abi will find out if she’s the winner of her category at a glittering awards ceremony at Salsa Temple in London on Tuesday 20 February.
Pictured: (Left to right) Abi Davies, Deputy Housekeeping Manager, and Lisa Soden, Housekeeping Manager, celebrating after Abi was shortlisted in the MyCleaning Awards.
