Celebrating our Estates and Facilities colleagues

Colleagues from across Estates and Facilities came together for National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day 2026, offering a chance to reflect on achievements, recognise contributions, and spend time together away from the day-to-day pressures of work.

With strong attendance and representation from across teams, including new colleagues and partners, the event highlighted the strength, resilience and community within the service. It was also an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the vital role Estates and Facilities staff play in supporting patient care and keeping services running smoothly.

The past few years have brought significant challenges, and the event created space to recognise not only the work delivered, but the commitment, integrity and support colleagues show one another every day.

Opening the event, Warren Duffy, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities reflected honestly on the pressures facing the team, while expressing pride in what has been achieved:

“I think you’re doing an absolutely incredible job. The way you support each other, the integrity you show, and the way you keep things going really stands out.

You should be proud of your skill set, proud of what you do, and proud of the service you provide every single day.”

A large group of diverse staff members posing for a photograph in a garden in front of a red brick building.

Recognising our colleagues

A highlight of the day was the awards ceremony, with colleagues recognised across a range of peer-nominated categories. These awards reflect the appreciation teams have for one another and the impact individuals make every day.

Award winners included

Best Problem Solver: Carl McLean
Most Reliable: Michelle Payne
Can Do Award: Keisha Liburd
Most Helpful Colleague: Carl McLean
Best New Starter: Penny Manuel
Always Smiling: Michelle Payne
Calming Influence: Carl McLean
Unsung Hero : Tony Kime
Rising Star: Sally Hobson

With nominations coming from across the team, the awards were a meaningful way to celebrate the dedication, teamwork and positive attitudes that underpin the service.

The Trust was also pleased to welcome Estates and Facilities colleagues from Leeds Community Healthcare, who joined the event and helped strengthen connections across organisations. As part of the day, they kindly shared gifts with staff, a thoughtful gesture that was warmly received and reflected the collaborative spirit and mutual support between teams.

Several individuals stand around a woman with a gift bag, sharing smiles and enjoying a celebratory moment together. Several individuals stand around a woman with a gift bag, sharing smiles and enjoying a celebratory moment together.

The day also included a charity raffle, with a range of generously donated prizes up for grabs. Thanks to the support of colleagues across the team, the raffle raised £100.86 for Save the Children, helping to support vital work for children and families around the world.