CLEANING and maintenance staff at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch have been thanked for their hard work.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust interim chief executive Chris Tidman paid the hospital’s housekeeping and estates team a surprise visit on Monday, August 24 to personally thank them for their dedication.

More than 140 staff work across the two departments, who work 24 hours a day to keep the hospital clean and hygienic while ensuring equipment is working properly.

Mr Tidman’s visit was part of the Big Thank You, a trust-wide scheme recognising staff who have worked particularly hard.

Mr Tidman said: “Housekeepers and estates staff are an essential part of our hospital team.

“On behalf of the board I’d like to thank you for your hard work and let you know how much you are appreciated.

“We rely on your work to provide well maintained, clean and safe patient areas.

“The hospital environment was assessed as part of our Care Quality Commission inspection, so we know that there was pressure on housekeepers and estates staff and we’re grateful for your support.

“Well done and keep up the great work.”

Housekeeper at the Alex’s Medical Assessment Unit Linda Roe said: “It was a nice surprise to receive this thank you.

“Sometimes we feel our work can go unnoticed, though we still carry on working hard regardless.

“It is nice to be appreciated.”