53 staff at Lymington New Forest Hospital, including cleaners, caterers, porters and housekeepers, have been the first to gain from a new training programme aimed at raising skills in public services. All 53 employees have been awarded their NVQ level 2 in customer service, including teamwork, Health and Safety and equality and diversity, through The Public Sector Skills Framework (PSSF). The nationally recognised qualification has been developed by Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council for facilities management, in partnership with other professional bodies.
Catherine Bowell, Director of Adult Services for Hampshire Community Health Care, said, “It is a marvelous achievement that so many of the hospital staff managed to receive this qualification and it’s great to see continuing development regardless of age or position.”
The PSSF equips staff with skills over and above those needed for their basic role to help improve their job prospects and give increased motivation and improved morale. The OCS staff at Lymington New Forest Hospital who have benefited from the scheme range from 18 to 78 years old The oldest, Harry Racey-Brightey 78, who cleans the hospital operating theatres, said “I’m really pleased to have gained the NVQ. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to learn.”