A hospital domestic who went above and beyond to look after patients at a mental health service during the COVID pandemic has been honoured by staff.
Paul Alford, 55, from Glasgow, works within the Forensic Mental Health & Learning Disabilities directorate, a service which provides care and treatment across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in both inpatient and community settings.
During the first lockdown, Paul did his best to support patients ensuring those with no supportive links still had access to essentials by maintaining the Community Hub’s shop. Whilst wearing full PPE, Paul created his own in-house version of the ‘Give and Go’ hospital volunteer service by taking orders and preparing deliveries to the patients on site. His aim was to provide some ‘normality’ during a very stressful time for both patients and staff alike.
For his efforts Paul’s been rewarded by his colleagues, with a special prize of an overnight stay donated by Gleneagles Hotel, the luxury 5-star hotel in Perthshire. It follows an anonymous nomination process across the team.
Paul said: “I just do my bit, helping the patients with stocking the shop, serving them behind the counter and cheering them up with my rubbish jokes. I do everything within our community centre, cleaning, keeping people going, having a wee chit chat. You want everyone to feel better and connect with the patients.”
Nominating Paul, one of his colleagues, said: “The patients absolutely adore him. When the world was shut down through COVID, Paul’s shop was still open for business. Patients couldn’t get family visits or outings, but they could stock up at Paul’s shop. It might sound trivial, but the small things matter – it’s about compassion and improving people’s day.
“People like Paul are an asset to the NHS and society and they should be recognised.”
Another colleague described him as ‘just the most helpful person around’ and another said he constantly goes ‘above and beyond on a daily basis’ to help patients.
Paul has spent his 14 years working for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Clinical Services Manager, Kirsteen Slavin, said: “Paul is a real asset to the NHS and his commitment to patients is second to none. We’re incredibly grateful to Paul and the wider Directorate for all that they do and for stepping up during the pandemic. It’s been a tough time for everyone, but little things, like keeping the shop open, help to keep our patients going and it’s greatly appreciated.
“I hope Paul enjoys his trip to Gleneagles for a well-deserved break.”
Paul was surprised by his colleagues with an award ceremony and as well as the Gleneagles trip, received cake and flowers in his favourite footballing colours.
He added: “I can’t believe it – it’s so nice to feel so appreciated. I had a huge smile on my face, and I want to thank everyone. Everyone has done their jobs throughout this, and it feels strange to be singled out, but really nice.”
