Alex staff thanked for their efforts in tackling norovirus

Buy photos » Housekeeping staff have been thanked for their efforts in tackling norovirus. (s)

HOUSEKEEPERS at the Alexandra Hospital have been recognised for their efforts in helping to combat outbreaks of the winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug.

Staff at the Woodrow Drive Hospital received a surprise visit from Penny Venables, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, to say thank you for their hard work and present them with a special cake.

The visit was part of the Big Thank You, a monthly scheme run by the Trust to recognise staff for their outstanding contribution and hard work.

Redditch housekeepers were selected as the first ever group to receive the award because of their contribution to tackling norovirus, which has seen hundreds of beds out of action at a time when the hospital is extremely busy.

The 130 strong team received specialist training to use Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour (HPV) to deep clean areas affected by the bug. More than 100 HPV decontaminations have been carried out reducing the length of time of outbreaks.

Heather Gentry, lead nurse infection prevention and control, said: "Housekeeping are vital members of the whole hospital team, and crucial in our drive to prevent infection and maintain the high standards of cleanliness our patients, staff and public deserve."

Mrs Venables said housekeepers were the behind the scenes team whose 24-hour-a-day work was essential to the running of the hospital.

Ida Coombes, a housekeeper at the Alex, added: "It’s lovely to get compliments from patients, but it’s important to know Penny recognises us too."

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