More than 300 cleaners transitioning to Canberra Health Services on 1 October are starting to receive their new CHS uniforms, marking a key step in bringing cleaning services into the ACT Public Service.
Minister for Health, Marisa Paterson said the uniform presentation recognises the vital role cleaners play in delivering safe healthcare and welcomes them to the CHS workforce.
“While much of their work happens behind the scenes, cleaners make an enormous contribution to patient safety and the experience of everyone who visits our hospitals and community health centres,” said Dr Paterson.
“Receiving a CHS uniform is a proud milestone and a welcome reminder that cleaners are an important part of our healthcare team.”
From next month, cleaning services at Canberra Hospital and community health facilities will be delivered by CHS. All current cleaning staff have been offered the opportunity to transition into the ACT Public Service as part of the Government’s commitment to secure employment and the principle that government services should be delivered by public servants wherever practical.
“Our hospital cleaners deserve secure, permanent jobs – and that’s what these new uniforms mean,” said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Public Service, Rachel Stephen-Smith.
“It’s been years in the making, and for the over 300 cleaners putting on their new Canberra Health Services uniform for the first time, it’ll be a really proud moment.
“For our cleaners, it’ll mean they have secure and stable work, and for our health system, it’ll mean we have one integrated team delivering for Canberrans.”
