Published on: 2 March 2023
A woman who has dedicated her career to helping keep hospital services running has scooped a national award.
Sue Robason has worked for the NHS for more than 27 years and is Acting Domestic and Linen Manager for City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Limited (CHoICE).
Sue Robason with her award at the London ceremony.
CHoICE is a subsidiary of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and provides it with estates and facilities, procurement and outpatient pharmacy services
Sue was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural National MyCleaning Awards when it was hosted in London last week.
Held in association with NHS England, the titles celebrate the work of healthcare cleaners, domestic teams and auditors as they help keep patients safe by ensuring infections are kept to a minimum.
Sue Robason and Rachael Hutchinson were both put forward for the national titles.
Sue, who is based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, said:
"When they said my name, I was stunned, but felt really humble to have been chosen as the winner.
"The others shortlisted were very worthy winners too and everyone should feel proud of what they do.
"I’m over the moon to have won, but still taking it in."
Wayne Carr, CHoICE’s Director of Estates and Facilities, said:
"We were delighted to be there to see Sue collect the award and thrilled that both she and Rachael were shortlisted.
"Both are highly respected and much loved members of our team and make CHoICE a better place to work."
Sue’s award was one of six to be presented at the ceremony, which was held for the first time by GV Healthcare and hosted at Salsa! Temple.
The judges included NHS leaders, with the panel selecting Sue after her nomination highlighted how she is a tireless advocate for her domestic teams and champions their work.
They also recognised how she had built her career after starting as a ward hostess, going on to work in the team she now leads.
Her nomination noted the good relationships she has with staff across CHoICE and the Trust and added: "She also cares deeply about our patients and puts them at the forefront of all she does."
She always makes new staff welcome, how well organised she is and how she helps develop the best way to get jobs done.
Sue has also worked as a supervisor and a monitoring officer, helping ensure the quality standards of cleaning contractors.
She has supported the development and introduction of new technology and ensures the team’s work is efficient and effective.
