NHS Property Services (NHSPS), a provider of around 5,000 frontline NHS workers, has launched the #HiddenHeroes campaign to shine a light on non-clinical frontline staff – including cleaners, porters, technical teams, receptionists and caterers – who are playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19.
These team members often work behind-the-scenes, without public recognition, yet enable clinical staff to continue to deliver exceptional patient care. More than ever, these teams are adapting to new ways of working such as delivering nutritious meals for in-patients and NHS staff, frequent daily deep cleans or receptionists called to work at multiple sites with little notice. In recent days politicians and the public from across the country have highlighted the important role our people are playing at this time.
Now NHSPS is calling on everyone around the country to nominate and give thanks to their hidden hero on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – using hashtag #HiddenHeroes. Nominations include the hospital porter who helped an elderly relative navigate a hospital, a receptionist who treated them with kindness or the cleaner they saw working to keep us all safe. NHSPS also encourages nominations amongst colleagues, friends and family who are working tirelessly each and every day.
Two Cities MP Nickie Aiken said:
“I welcome this campaign from NHS Property Services. Time and time again, our communities in both Westminster and the City of London have shown their generosity of spirit and love to those in need. I’m calling on everyone in the Two Cities to think of creative ways to support our NHS workers across our NHS trusts, to make our NHS hidden heroes feel valued on social media and think about volunteering or working for the NHS in this hour of need. Start nominating your #HiddenHeroes now!”
Nickie Aiken's constituency is covered by four different NHS Trusts: St Barts, Imperial, University College London and Chelsea & Westminster.
The campaign also invites the public to nominate their Hidden Hero on the dedicated website, along with photos and location. All submissions will have the chance to feature on NHSPS social media accounts.
Martin Steele, CEO of NHSPS, said:
“I am immensely proud of our crucial 5,000 strong frontline key workers and those that support them. They are working every day to ensure our healthcare facilities remain fully operational in order that our NHS colleagues can continue to provide the excellent patient care so urgently needed. At NHS Property Services we exist to support clinical staff so that they can focus on delivering care day in and day out. Please join us in this campaign and show your support.”
In addition, following the creation of the NHS Volunteer Scheme, NHS Property Services urges the public to consider applying for temporary paid roles within the NHS supply chain, across England, to support the NHS to continue to deliver excellent patient care day in and day out during this crisis.
Roles will support the sourcing, delivery and supply of healthcare products, services and food to NHS trusts and healthcare organisations. Those interested in filling these temporary roles at this time should visit the NHS Property Services website or by email.
