Clean, safe and welcoming surroundings play an important role in creating a positive therapeutic environment. At Baldock Manor, that responsibility sits with a dedicated housekeeping team led by Teresa, who has worked at the hospital for nine years, progressing from Housekeeper to Head Housekeeper.
We spoke to Teresa about what a typical day looks like, what she enjoys most about her role, and why she believes housekeeping is about so much more than keeping a building clean.
Starting the day
My day begins at 8am with a catch-up with the housekeeping team. We talk through the day ahead, allocate everyone to their wards and make sure we have everything we need before we get started.
While the team focus on the wards, I look after the wider hospital environment, including staff areas and other communal spaces. I also make sure we have enough cleaning supplies by checking stock levels and arranging orders when needed.
Another important part of my role is overseeing the kitchen from a housekeeping perspective, making sure deliveries have arrived and resolving any issues that come up. Throughout the day, I’ll visit each ward to check everything is running smoothly and offer support wherever it’s needed before finishing my shift at 4pm.
Supporting the people around us
Although housekeeping is often thought of as being behind the scenes, we’re part of the wider team and spend time with both service users and colleagues every day.
I always make a point of speaking with people when I’m on the wards. Sometimes it’s just a quick chat or a bit of banter, but building those relationships helps create a welcoming atmosphere. If someone has concerns about the cleanliness of their room or another area, we work together to put things right as quickly as possible.
It’s equally important to support the housekeeping team. I want everyone to feel comfortable coming to me if they have a question or concern, and if there’s something I can’t resolve myself, I know I have support from the wider management team.
The moments that stay with you
I’ve been at Baldock Manor for nine years, and I’m incredibly proud to have progressed from Housekeeper to Head Housekeeper.
One of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing our team’s hard work recognised. It’s always satisfying when the cleanliness of the hospital is highlighted in CQC inspection reports because it reflects the standards we work hard to maintain every day.
I’m also especially proud of how the team responded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through everyone’s commitment and teamwork, we were able to keep the virus out of the hospital for two years. Looking back, that’s an achievement we’ll always be proud of.
Why teamwork matters
Housekeeping is very much a team effort.
We support one another, enjoy each other’s company and always make time for a laugh during our breaks. That positive atmosphere carries into our work and helps us maintain the high standards our service users, visitors and colleagues expect.
Knowing that our efforts have been recognised externally, whether through positive CQC feedback or staff award nominations, makes those achievements even more meaningful. They’re a reflection of the pride everyone takes in their work.
Why I’d recommend a career in housekeeping
People sometimes underestimate how rewarding housekeeping can be.
There’s a real sense of satisfaction in helping to create an environment where people feel safe, comfortable and cared for. Positive feedback, whether from inspection reports or through recognition within the hospital, is always appreciated.
Most rewarding of all is seeing the progress made by our service users. Watching someone arrive at the hospital during a difficult period in their life and later leave in a much better place reminds you that every member of the team plays a part in their journey.
Housekeeping may not always be the most visible role, but it makes a real difference every single day, and I’m proud to be part of that.