The first National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day is celebrated today, 15 June. The day recognises the role of the Estates and Facilities teams and is a chance for all of us to reflect on the work done by these professionals and the value this gives to service users and staff. It is also an opportunity to raise the profile of a career in the field of Estates and Facilities in healthcare settings.
David Stevens, Director of ELFT's Estates Facilities & Capital Development said, "The care and management of our premises and the settings where staff provide care has been under the spotlight more than ever during the COVID pandemic. But clean, safe, fit-for-purpose spaces have always been essential in the NHS. I want to pay tribute to our Estates, Facilities, Sustainability, Projects, Compliance and business support teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our environments are suitable, available and effective, and rapidly responding to issues as they arise - working closely with local staff. Often people only notice their working environment when something is not right. The majority of the time, service users and patients focus on the staff they come into contact with for appointments or admission. For me, this is a good sign - it means that experience and standards are good - and the environment is as it should be - clean, well maintained, secure and safe.
So a massive thank you to all our staff and supply chain that make this happen. Estates delivery is an integral part of recovery and you are a vital part of the ELFT team!"
Take some time today to show appreciation to Estates and Facilities staff where you are based. Let them know you notice what they do and value it.