Over the past year some of the in-house cleaning team at The Princess Margaret Hospital (TPMH) and Hillmorton Hospital have been working towards gaining cleaning qualifications.
CDHB Service Manager, Housekeeping and Uniforms, Pauline Tootell, says she would like to congratulate the cleaners who are the first in Canterbury DHB to have embarked on and completed a Level 2 National Certificate in Cleaning and Caretaking, and Level 2 and 3 Assessor training.
“I’m delighted to report that 16 cleaners have now graduated Level 2, three have achieved Level 2 Assessor, and one has achieved level 3 Assessor qualifications. We also have another 17 staff working towards Level 2 and Level 3.”
TPMH Cleaner Andrea Walker, says she found completing Level 2 rewarding and challenging.
“I am now enjoying doing Level 3 which will also be a challenge and a great achievement for me.”
TPMH Cleaner Jan Messer, says she is enjoying the challenge of working through each step to achieve the credits. At first she found the Careerforce papers overwhelming. “But with support and input from other cleaning staff I realised it wasn’t that bad.” Doing the qualification was helpful and made her aware of her skills. TPMH Site Cleaning Supervisor, Donna Handy, has completed the qualifications and is now a registered assessor. “It was a challenge but with Pauline and Careerforce Workplace Advisor, Andy Bunn’s support, I got through it, and for that I thank them very much.”
The cleaners have all worked hard to pass and it has been a real morale booster. They are looking forward to the challenges of Level 3, she says. Pauline says the training has helped the cleaners gain confidence and self-esteem.
“Training re-enforces the core skills our cleaners demonstrate every day and highlights areas where they can improve. For some this is the first time they have had the opportunity to do something, just for them, which will improve the way they work. It’s been motivating and a big confidence boost.”
Careerforce Workplace Advisor, Andy Bunn, says the qualification is a way of formalising all the great skills and knowledge the cleaners have as well as “filling gaps” to further their professional development.
Pictured – Back: From left to right: Cleaners, Donna Handy, Doreen Mihaka, Yvonne Kelly, Debbie Wood, Val Eyles, Service Manager, Pauline Tootell, Careerforce Workplace Advisors Andy Bunn, and Bev.
Front : From left to right: Cleaners, Fiona Moody, Lyn Richardson, Judy Hunt, Jan Messer, and Andrea Walker.
Absent: Cleaners, Wayne Kirk, Carolyn Russell, Trish Forbes, Lara Pledger, Norma Timms, and Georgia
Reproduced with kind permission from CDHB
Updated 6 July 2015