A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event that many find difficult to accept, but one NHS cleaner found strength in her unwavering commitment to protecting patients from infection—and used that very dedication to fuel her recovery.
Elzbieta Biel, a cleaner at University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been crowned Domestic of the Year at this year’s MyCleaning Awards. The live ceremony, held in Piccadilly, London, this February, saw Elzbieta recognised for her exceptional resilience and dedication, following a fiercely competitive process that included almost 500 nominations from across the UK.
In an awards event in partnership with NHS England, the competition was stiffer than ever, making Elzbieta’s victory all the more remarkable. With a panel of expert judges—including Phil Shelley, Emma Brookes, Sheila Connolly, and Fay Lane—choosing the winner was no easy feat. But it was clear why Elzbieta, known affectionately as Ela, earned the top honour.
Ela’s journey from cancer patient to healthcare hero is a story of extraordinary determination. Her return to work after treatment wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a beacon of hope for both her colleagues and the patients she serves. Known for her meticulous cleaning and kind-hearted gestures, Ela’s presence brings comfort and care to all those around her, from young patients to their families.
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.”
Her work goes beyond the essential duties of cleanliness—Ela’s heartfelt thank-you notes to patients after their treatments have left an indelible mark on countless families. Her thoughtfulness has made a profound difference in the lives of many, showing the true power of small gestures.
Ela also stepped into a leadership role after her return, mentoring junior staff and introducing a new cleaning protocol that significantly reduced patient wait times. Her proactive approach to improving hospital efficiency further enhances the patient experience, earning her the admiration of her peers.
Domestic staff in healthcare settings often work behind the scenes, yet their contribution to patient safety and comfort is immeasurable. It is this very commitment that the National MyCleaning Awards, in partnership with NHS England, was created to celebrate. This annual event honours the unsung heroes of the healthcare system, recognising those who go above and beyond their duties.
This year’s event saw six remarkable winners, including Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s Rapid Response Team, who introduced a groundbreaking model called “Your Shifts, Your Way” to improve team morale and hospital efficiency. Their innovative approach led to quicker patient discharges and reduced infection risks, which has seen the Trust become first in the country in terms of cleanliness for large acute Trusts, earning them a Healthcare Cleaning Team of The Year Award. Another notable winner was Steve Turner, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50 years of service to the NHS, noted for his embracing of change and new technologies.
Emma Brookes, Head of Soft FM at NHS England, summed up the significance of the event: "Each year it gets harder and harder to decide a winner, which just goes to show the incredible dedication of the individuals and teams in Domestic Services. It’s a privilege to honour them, and we congratulate all the winners and nominees.”
Full List of Winners:
- Newcomer of the Year Award, sponsored by Serco: Daniel Donkin – Sunderland Royal Hospital
- Leadership of the Year Award, sponsored by Numatic: Liliana Lopes – Great Western Hospital
- MyAudit Auditor of the Year Award, sponsored by GV Healthcare: Elaine Farmer – Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Healthcare Cleaning Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Tork: Rapid Response Team – Northumbria Healthcare
- Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Medirest: Steven Turner – Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
- MyCleaning Domestic of the Year Award, sponsored by TTS Cleaning: Elzbieta Biel – University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions. The MyCleaning Awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who go above and beyond in their service to healthcare.
