Celebrating Unsung Heroes: National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day 2024
The NHS is an incredible organisation that we are all lucky to have access to. We are in awe of the care they provide, and what they are able to achieve despite challenging times.
Within the NHS, you will find hundreds of vital roles that combine to provide medical assistance to the entire nation. Unfortunately, some of these roles are often overlooked. These individuals are working tirelessly behind the scenes to support our fantastic frontline processionals in delivering care to their communities. On this special day, we celebrate each and every Estates & Facilities team across the country.
National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day 2024
Each year, this day of recognition falls on the third Wednesday of June. This year it falls on the 19th of June. Within the umbrella of “estates & facilities”, there are a wide variety of roles and responsibilities. If you aren’t already aware of what these teams do, we answer some popular questions.
What job roles are a part of Estates & Facilities?
Estates & facilities include roles such as, cooks, cleaners, laundry, transport, safety and security, support, porters. maintenance, management, gardening and more. These professions are a key part of making our NHS work, from cooking patient’s meals, to bringing fresh linens, the estates & facilities team are an essential part of the organisation.
How many staff work in Estates & Facilities?
Of the NHS workforce, estates & facilities services are estimated to make up 8%! This is around 250,000 people working to improve the patient experience across the NHS.
The backbone of healthcare
Many of us forget to appreciate those who make the world go round. For example, let’s imagine a day in the hospital without the work of cooks, cleaners, porters and maintenance teams. Hospitals would quickly become an unsafe environment for patients, and staff.
All of the roles within estates & facilities are important to the delicate ecosystem of a hospital. They each play a part in enhancing the patient experience, making them feel comfortable, safe, and at ease during a stressful time.
Their hard work and friendly faces are appreciated by patients. For some patients without close family and friends, a porter might provide a reassuring smile, or a kind word when they need it most.
A day of recognition
This day is a great opportunity to express our gratitude for these essential workers. To acknowledge their contributions, and highlight their vital role within our NHS. HEFMA, the Healthcare Estates & Facilities Management Association saw an increased engagement rate in the event from 2022 to 2023.
It is fantastic to see more and more organisations and teams getting involved in celebrating the National Healthcare Estates & Facilities Day. If you want to get involved, you can visit the dedicated website, and register for a free supporters kit.
You can also share your appreciation for estates and facilities teams by using the hashtag #HealthEFMDay on social media!
Resources
https://healthcareefmday.org/about.php
https://www.hefma.co.uk/diary/national-healthcare-estates-facilities-day-2024-19-06-2024
https://www.nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk/digest/detail?Id=may-2024-estates-and-facilities-day