'It would be impossible for many in NHS to do our jobs without these hidden heroes'

NHS Highland has praised the contribution members of its laundry department make to keep its hospitals ticking.

The health authority branded them hidden heroes.

A spokesman for NHS Highland said: "A patient has just been discharged, and now the room has to be cleaned and sanitised as quickly as possible, ready for the next one. Due to infections like Covid-19 and the flu, it’s more important than ever that items like linens, bedsheets, towels, blankets and hospital staff uniforms are cleaned thoroughly and well-stocked.

"This is where our laundry departments come in – the hidden heroes of every hospital in NHS Highland. They make a huge difference in the day-to-day clinical operations of our hospitals and are a multi-talented, hardworking group. Their roles are indispensable, and they always get the job done – and done well!

"The wider team worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of staff and patients. As well as cleaning, they are responsible for folding, packing and delivering clean linen at Raigmore and across the Highlands and Islands where stock is needed, which can be physically taxing. They also use sewing machines to repair and add logos to uniforms, even sewing at times by hand.

"Well done and a huge thank you to the laundry teams at Raigmore and all other hospitals! It would be impossible for many of us to do our jobs without them, and they truly deserve all the recognition and praise!"

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