Our estates and facilities teams work around the clock to keep our buildings – and everything within them – safe, clean, secure and warm so we can deliver the best care possible to our patients.
Today we celebrate just some of those colleagues on National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day. But all of them, wherever they are, play a unique, special role in improving the lives of 10,000 people every day.
“The hospital looks after our patients, and we look after the hospital,” says Kevin Flory (pictured, below), who has worked as a steriliser engineer at ESNEFT for 23 years.
He makes sure a thorough decontamination treatment is carried out for all instruments and tools used in operating theatres across ESNEFT as well as those used by our endoscopy, pathology and pharmacy departments.
He also oversees the maintenance of machinery used in the decontamination process and leads a team of colleagues.
“I have worked at Bluebird Lodge for eight months and I really enjoy interacting with the patients when I get the opportunity,” says chef Kerry Nokes (pictured, below), who works at Bluebird Lodge. 
“Everyone in Estates and Facilities works hard, some people in the background, and it’s important that days like this are recognised.”
Apple Poolman (pictured, below) has worked as a hostess for 17 years.
“I enjoy being with patients, comforting them and looking after them,” said Apple, who serves the patients their meals and drinks.
Porter Daniel Harris can be seen going up and down the corridors at Ipswich Hospital and takes pride in making sure our patients have a comfortable journey during their stay. 
Daniel (pictured, right) said: “Portering is a very rewarding role. When I’m moving patients, I feel I always give them a safe journey wherever they go, making their stay feel a little bit better.”
Kieryn Lestrange also works as a porter at Ipswich Hospital and enjoys interacting with patients and being a new face for them to meet.
Kieryn (pictured, left)said: “Portering is a very giving experience, no two days are the same. Patients see the same faces on the ward, so when I turn up it’s a difference face, different conversation, I feel like I can brighten a patient’s day.”
Dom Bradshaw is Head of Property. His team is responsible for all leased and commercially tenanted buildings throughout the Trust – that’s over 70 agreements.
Dom (pictured at the top of the photograph, below) said: “Being a close team, we celebrate successes collectively but also shine a light on individuals excelling.
“We remain determined and proud to ensure we don’t lose sight of patient care in everything we do.
“Thank you to those Estates and Facilities colleagues who make sure our sites are safe, clean and smooth running and the patients are well fed.
“Thank you also to our contracted partners, landlords and our tenants, it’s a pleasure to work with you.”
Energy and sustainability coordinator Brydie Murphy (pictured, below) works as part of the team delivering ESNEFT’s Green Plan, which is part of the larger NHS strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Brydie said: “It’s nice to be able to work with a variety of teams across the Trust
“I don’t think the public realise how many different roles there are in the NHS and in estates. I certainly didn’t and it was one of the first things I noticed when I joined ESNEFT.”
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