Inspiring Ela wins national hospital cleaning award

UCLH’s Ela Biel has won a national prize for domestics with judges noting her care in protecting vulnerable patients and using her own cancer journey to empathise with cancer patients who are often more vulnerable to and anxious about infection.

Nominated by her UCLH Grafton Way Building and Medirest colleagues for the National MyCleaning Awards, in association with NHS England, the prize awards the highest standards and gives recognition to those going above and beyond. Ela was awarded for her exceptional resilience and dedication following competitive process that included almost 500 nominations from across the UK. 

Ela Biel, cleaner at UCLH said: “It was such huge surprise. Then to actually win it is very humbling and I feel very honoured. I know there are so many wonderful cleaners caring deeply for patients in their work. I’m amazed by the award but glad I can be part of sharing the contributions of a wonderful group of people keeping our patients safe behind the scenes.” 

UCLH Chief executive David Probert said: “We are very proud of Ela and thank her for her amazing contributions and kindness to our patients and their families. Cleaners are a vital part of the NHS working hard work to ensure patients are safe while in hospital. We thank them all and Ela especially. Congratulations!”  

Colin Simpson, Head of Facilities at UCLH said: “We are so thrilled for Ela who holds the admiration of colleagues and patients alike. Through her own journey with cancer Ela brings extra empathy and insight to patients undergoing difficult treatments. Her meticulous cleaning makes patients feel safe and colleagues feel they work in a beautiful, cared for environment. Her dedication provides motivation and inspiration to her team, so much so that they were moved to nominate her for this award.”  

Janiina Eklund, Contract Director, Medirest commented: “Ela exemplifies dedication, resilience and excellence. As a key member of our cleaning team within the hospital, she plays a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming environment ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness for patients, families and staff. She always goes above and beyond and her compassion shines brightly. This award is thoroughly deserved and we are very proud of her.”  

Ela’s team nomination also praise her efforts during the pandemic in their nomination. Her expertise in infection control played a pivotal role in implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, including rigorous touchpoint disinfection and managing COVID-19 isolation cleaning procedures. Her proactive approach and focus on safety helped prevent outbreaks, ensuring that life-saving cancer treatments continued.  Ela’s thoughtfulness is also described in her Christmas gift collection for children, coordinating with staff and businesses to ensure that every child experienced the joy of the season despite being in the hospital. 

One patient’s family wrote, “Ela’s kindness and attention to detail made our time at the hospital so much easier. She went out of her way to make us feel cared for, and her compassion meant the world to us during such a difficult period.”