‘Ray of sunshine’ Lewisham hospital worker wins award for dedication and volunteer work

A Lewisham hospital worker has won an award for her dedication and volunteer work.

Philomena McElroy, who has worked at University Hospital Lewisham for 35 years, was awarded September’s Employee of the Month.

She said: “This is an amazing surprise. I’ve worked at University Hospital Lewisham for 35 years, loved every moment and I feel very lucky to work with some wonderful people.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the NHS and ISS for their support.”

Mr Bob Jeffery, who nominated her, said: “Philomena is a ray of sunshine for everybody either visiting or working at University Hospital Lewisham.

“She is in charge of keeping the outside of the hospital clean and tidy, but she does so much more.

“She is often the first person who people see when visiting the hospital, greets everybody with a fantastic smile and she is always willing to help people around the hospital.

“The grounds of the hospital are her pride and joy.

“I once observed Philomena from the sixth floor of Riverside, sweeping around the back of the bike racks where nobody really sees, and she was so diligent and would not leave this area until it was spotless.

“Philomena also volunteered hours of her own time with two other women, to create the wonderful enchanted garden for the enjoyment of our younger patients.

“She helped transform a waste area to help make the children’s experience in hospital more enjoyable.

“A happy, smiley, friendly face is a supertonic for us all right now.”

Ms McElroy was presented her award by Paul Bola, ISS Key Account Manager, and Mathew Shaw, Operations Manager at Healthwatch Lewisham, and she also received a fruit basket donated by Hasan, who runs the fruit stall at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Mr Shaw, who chaired this month’s judging panel, said: “We chose Philomena due to her dedication in creating a positive and clean environment for patients and visitors at University Hospital Lewisham.

“Colleagues describe her as always having a smile on her face and willing to help direct patients around the site.

“She routinely goes above and beyond, which is best demonstrated by her volunteering to help create the enchanted garden for the enjoyment of younger patients.”