Thanking our PSAs and cleaners

Today we are celebrating our wonderful PSAs (Patient Services Assistants) and cleaners as part of Thank Your Cleaner Day.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our PSAs and ISS cleaners have played such an important role, ensuring hygiene and safety is at the forefront of our health service. Our cleaners at Northern Health comprise of both our PSAs, who are responsible for a variety of tasks including cleaning on the wards, cleaning beds when a patient is discharged and transportation throughout the hospital, and ISS Facility Services cleaning staff, keeping all Northern Health common areas and Emergency Department cleaned.

We spoke to staff across our health service who thanked our hardworking PSAs and ISS cleaning staff.

Dr Zena Barakat, Medical Registrar, thanked Craig Field, PSA, and his team for an amazing job assisting on the COVID Wards at Northern Hospital Epping.

“Their empathy, witty banter, strong work ethic and endless supply of cold cordial has been much appreciated by the nurses and doctors on the COVID Wards,” she said.

“A big thanks for everything you are doing. You’re making a difficult situation more enjoyable for everyone.”

Kirralee Jensen, Site Director and Director of Nursing, Bundoora Centre, said, “I would like to extend my thanks to all the PSAs for the work they do in keeping our wards clean. They are an important part of our team and their work is very much appreciated, thank you.”

Lucia Bento, Site Director and Director of Nursing, Broadmeadows Hospital, acknowledged the PSA team for their continued friendliness.

“PSAs at Broadmeadows Hospital work tremendously well as a team and are always happy to assist patients and staff. The PSA team is very efficient in keeping Broadmeadows Hospital wards tidy, clean and safe for patients and staff. The PSA team at Broadmeadows Hospital team are happy, friendly and approachable and we thank them for all the hard work they do,” she said.

Adele Mavity, PSA, is based at Broadmeadows, but has recently assisted with the COVID-19 response at Northern Hospital Epping.

“We work hard to keep the wards clean and to help the staff to provide great care for our patients,” Adele said.

Snezana Velevski, Support Services Coordinator, said, “I am so proud of the PSA team and how dedicated they have been during such a busy time at Northern Health. I know I can rely on my team to do their very best.”

Tonia Scuteri, also a PSA, said she loves the interaction with patients and staff, while Karen Ayres, PSA in charge at Bundoora Centre, said all PSAs have come together and worked so well to accommodate shift changes due to COVID-19.

“Everyone has put the patient and residents needs first,” Karen said,

ISS staff member, Yanti Kuntari, has been working as a high touch cleaner at Bundoora Centre, since the start of the pandemic.

“My job is really important and I always get acknowledged from all staff at Bundoora. They are always happy to see me as I go around as they know we are making sure the place is disinfected and cleaned to keep everyone safe,” she said.

ISS staff member Aktapreet Kaur, a cleaner, said she is proud to be part of Northern Health.

“I have worked at Northern Hospital Epping as a cleaner since July 2020. I am proud to be part of a team that helps to protect our staff, patients, visitors, and the surrounding community during a pandemic that affects us all,” she said.

ISS staff member Melanie Dias, a cleaner from Craigieburn Centre, said, “I thoroughly enjoy working. I am passionate about the Craigieburn Centre ISS team because most of the staff never forget to let me know how I make them feel. The respect, friendship and appreciation I get makes me want to push myself to keep them safe at Craigieburn Centre and make them proud of ISS.”

Wendy Nicol, Operations Manager, PSA and Cleaning Service Contracts, said it had been a busy year for PSAs, with Accreditation and the health service’s COVID response.

“The PSA teams have all worked tirelessly to ensure the hospital stays clean and the patient experience is positive. We want to show appreciation to the staff working in red zones, who never complain, spend all day in PPE and always come to work ready to assist,” she said.

“There has been increased hours and tasks for those working in the COVID areas and they have stepped up without question. PSAs work as a team, and always look out for their colleagues.”

“The CARPS team have taken on extra responsibilities this year which has led to a greatly increased workload and they have all increased capacity to get the job done.”

Saj Amerasinghe, ISS Key Account Manager, said, “Let’s show cleaners the appreciation they deserve on Thank Your Cleaner Day, for all the vital work that they do, especially in COVID times. These often invisible heroes ensure that we all have safe and hygienic spaces to enjoy, work and live in. Thank you today and everyday!”