The March You Made a Difference team award goes to a skilled team who work tirelessly to keep staff and patients safe – the Capital, Estates and Facilities Management team.
The Capital, Estates and Facilities Management team consists of approximately 165 staff covering administration, contract management, stores, boiler house, incinerator services, electrical and mechanical engineering, building, carpentry, painting, water quality and grounds and gardens.
During the winter months, the building, engineering and maintenance team tirelessly provide a 24/7 on call service for snow and ice clearance and pre-gritting, as well as attending various other issues as they arise.
The winter of 2022/23 was a particularly challenging time for the building, engineering and maintenance team, as well as the wider Capital, Estates and Facilities Management department. The low temperatures meant that many of the ventilation and heating systems across the Trust were struggling under the conditions.
On at least two occasions the whole team worked together to clear the roads, footpaths and carparks of snow and ice.
At times, over 70 staff were using snow shovels and buckets of grit to assist. There were many cold feet and very wet socks!
On one particular morning, Car Park 2 was shut due to sheets of ice being formed on all levels. This meant that traffic had backed up all the way to the M11 junction. Many staff and patients were unable to get on site for work and appointments. The building, engineering and maintenance team, with the support of hotel services, managed to grit all 1200 spaces and clear the entrance of ice, whilst skillfully managing the traffic on site. This was all achieved within one hour of the teams being mobilised!
It’s times like these that make us proud to be a part of the CUH family.
The team’s achievements are reflected in the winning nomination from a colleague, extracts of which told us:
“I nominate the Capital, Estates and Facilities Management team for keeping us all safe during the snowy weather. Being called in at 03:00 every morning to clear the snow must have been challenging and tiring for them all!
The work they did was excellent in helping to clear the footpaths and cycle paths on campus. Keeping the roads clear and safe on site, preventing accidents and allowing staff to get to work on time, safely.
“There was a big contrast with the footpaths and cycle paths across the city which, unfortunately, were mostly not cleared and were very hazardous.
“They even cleared the roof top of the car park to make more spaces available for their colleagues! I truly believe this team in minus degree weather conditions made a difference to us all. Thank you to all of you.”