Hospital cleaner sweeps up MBE (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hospital cleaner sweeps up MBE

ASTONISHED cleaner Grace Witcomb could not believe her ears when she was told she had been awarded an MBE.

The 57-year-old Salis-bury District Hospital worker, of Ebbesbourne Wake, scooped the accolade in the Queen's birthday honours list, for her 13 years of service.

Mrs Witcomb, who is always ready with a cheery smile for patients and staff, is thought to be the first cleaner in the hospital's history to be awarded the honour.

She said: "It was a complete shock and I didn't know what to say. My family and friends are really excited.

"I think cleaners are really important in the hospital and it's a fantastic job and different every day. They will have to chuck me out to get rid of me."

As well as helping to keep its corridors, wards and theatres clean and sparkling, Mrs Witcomb also finds time to fundraise for the hospital.

The keen gardener was nominated for an award by housekeeping manager Sue Stickland and associate director of nursing Philippa Potter.

Despite knowing more than a month ago that she was to receive the accolade, Mrs Witcomb had to remain tight-lipped about the news.

And she is now awaiting a call to tell her she can go to Buckingham Palace to collect her MBE.

Ms Stickland said: "Grace is one of the most willing members of staff we have. Everyone thinks a lot of her and she has a great relationship with staff and patients.

"It is really important that the cleaners have an input in the patients' well-being, and she puts 100 per cent into her job."