The West of Scotland laundry (WoSL) staff are outstanding at the best of times, however, they have excelled during the past year. Working quietly behind the scenes, they have delivered a vital service to patients during the pandemic, processing and distributing in excess of 10 million items of linen to all hospitals and clinics throughout NHS Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway as well as the State Hospital.
Robert O’Hara, head of linen services, said “The laundry and linen room teams, including maintenance, have delivered a service second to none throughout the past 12 months. They thoroughly deserve every accolade given to them as they are truly amazing.”
The WoSL team is based in Netherton industrial estate, Wishaw, however, there are also two linen distribution teams based at University Hospitals Monklands and Wishaw responsible for ensuring linen is delivered on time to wards, theatres and clinics.
The pressure on this dedicated group of staff has never been greater. The demand for scrub suits, flat sheets, pyjamas and nightdresses, as well as standard linen items has been overwhelming, however, the teams have never failed to deliver.
Both the laundry and linen distribution teams have had to get used to wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) in often extreme conditions. This, together with maintaining new work and staff break-related social distancing measures, has been a huge change for everyone.
Staff have worked tirelessly throughout this unprecedented time, facing challenges head on, showing selflessness and supporting each other’s health and wellbeing. They have boosted morale by making laundry banners and posting their children’s rainbow posters in the canteen, showing that there is hope and an end in sight. They have also raised funds for Cash for Kids and, of course, enjoyed customary Healthy Working Lives breakfast and lunches.
Robert added: “An interesting fact, and to put things into some kind of perspective, the weight of the linen the laundry staff handle on a yearly basis is equivalent to 1,200 average size African elephants. This equates to 12 staff members lifting and separating the weight of over 4½ large elephants every day!”
