A DOMESTIC worker from Hereford County Hospital has been handed a national award for going above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic.

Melanie Kinsey was nominated by managers for her selfless work during the pandemic – even learning parts of other people’s jobs to help limit people needing to go onto specific wards for vulnerable people.

Now, Melanie has been recognised with a British Citizen Award Quarterly CEO Medal of Honour.

Nominating Melanie, her managers said: “Mel works as a domestic on Frome ward, which is a blue closed ward. Part of her role for this area is the wearing of full PPE every day and Mel has been carrying out her tasks in this area throughout Covid.

“She recognised that the maintenance staff had to gown up and enter the ward to replace the shower heads every three months, Mel offered to be trained and cover this task thereby reducing the footfall into the ward and freeing up the maintenance team to carry out other duties.

“Mel always goes above and beyond in the hospital and is a great team player.”

Melanie said: “I’m proud of actually winning this award. Very proud and it is one for the domestics.”

The BCA CEO award is designed to recognise those whose efforts would normally go unseen or unrecognised.

All 11 winners will be able to use the BCA's letters after their names as a legacy from Sodexo and the BCA of their endeavours, and will be permanently on the BCA roll of honour.

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Philip Leigh, chief executive officer of Sodexo Healthcare said: "It is great that our people have been recognised for the amazing work they do across healthcare whether it is portering, catering, domestics or a whole range of other roles. They are important key workers and what they do really counts as it helps hospitals and other organisations run smoothy.

“It is great to hear about our colleagues on the frontline who step up to help others – they make a real difference to people’s lives and that is important.

“I would like to congratulate Melanie and thank her for her dedication. She is a credit to Sodexo Healthcare.”

Mike Faulkner, co-founder of The British Citizen Award, said: “It is incredible to see the positive impact that people can make in the workplace. Through commitment, kindness and often selfless giving these amazing people can now be held up as role models and rightfully take their place on the BCA Roll of Honour. We are delighted to have them brought to our attention and commend Philip Leigh and Sodexo Healthcare for recognising excellence in this way”.

The BCA recipients from Sodexo Healthcare attended the Palace of Westminster for afternoon tea to celebrate in March.