Overgate housekeeper Janet has been doing the spring clean for over 20 years

Spring is finally upon us and it’s time to get your rubber gloves on for the annual big clean.

One person that knows the importance of a good clean is Janet Robinson.

Janet started working at Overgate as a housekeeper in August 1997.

“My father stayed at Overgate in 1997 and shortly after he passed away a job advert for a housekeeper at the hospice came up.

“Overgate was so supportive whilst my dad was ill and I really fancied being a part of the place.

“I applied for the role, got the job and have not looked back since. I will have been here for 23 years in August,” said Janet.

During her time at the Elland hospice, she has worked across the housekeeping team and has served as the head housekeeper in the past.

“I take real pride in cleaning the place. My favourite part of the job ius talking to the patients and families, it is a lot nicer job than just cleaning desks.”

Janet’s day starts early at 6am.

“My first job in the morning is to take all the fridge temperatures, followed by refilling all the patient’s water jugs. I then go on to clean the toilets in the inpatient unit and all the general every day cleaning of the hospice such as wiping down the bed sides.

“Sometimes it’s about the little touches, like when flowers come in I put them in a vase,” she said.

As well as working at Overgate, Janet has worked for an old people’s home, offices and private housekeeping for homes.

“Before I started working at Overgate I did a cleaning job for the likes of offices. I’d pick my children up from school and head out to work at 5pm when my husband would be back from work.

“My kids were a little bit older by the time the job at the hospice came around. The hours meant that I could go to work, be home for 2pm and still have tea sorted in time for my family coming home from work and school.

“I obviously still do a lot of the same stuff, wiping surfaces and cleaning toilets, but it’s just a lot more rewarding than your standard cleaning job.”

lAre you proud of our local hospice and have a story to tell? Has Overgate Hospice supported you or a loved one in their hour of need? Are you embarking on a challenge or project for the hospice? Email in your stories and pictures to [email protected]