Publish date: 6 October 2021
Working across the region to keep hospitals clean for over 50 years
A local NHS trust has commemorated the longstanding service of a valued member of its workforce.
Doris Robinson, a domestic supervisor at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating 50 years of service in the NHS.
On 27th September 1971 to present day, Doris has dedicated her life to keeping hospitals clean from bacteria and infection, protecting staff and patients and creating a safe space for care.
She has worked within hospitals across the region, but started her journey at Northumbria at North Tyneside General Hospital in 1985, as a part-time domestic within the accident and emergency department. Since then, she has quickly moved up within her career to become a Domestic supervisor than a Domestic superintendent, after taking flexi retirement returning to the Domestic supervisor role that she is today.
All domestic staff at Northumbria are employed by Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), who offer a comprehensive cleaning service that is responsive, flexible and conducted to very high NHS standards.
Damon Kent, Managing Director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management has said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and we feel very lucky to have had Doris on our team for so long, representing our amazing domestic services across Northumbria Healthcare.”
Doris has said: “The past 50 years have flown by, and apart from needing time off to support my family a few years ago, I have always wanted to keep working. Luckily at Northumbria, I was able to take flexi retirement, allowing me to come back for a few days a week. The NHS has been a massive part of my life and I am not ready to leave it yet.
“Working for Northumbria continues to be an incredible experience. I’ve had the opportunity to meet amazing people, and the domestic services have become a little family. I would encourage anyone looking to make difference to join our supportive and friendly teams.”
Domestics are an important part of the NHS, and are vital to the running of hospital sites. They have been absolutely instrumental in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working alongside colleagues to serve the public.