Transfer of Sodexo Soft FM Staff to NHS Hospital Trust

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust has taken over the contract to run the Soft Facilities Management (FM) services, which includes the housekeepers, porters, cleaners and caterers at the hospital.

The services previously run by the external company Sodexo are now being managed in-house and the 650 staff involved have been fully integrated into the Trust.

Significant investment has been made in new equipment such as ward drinks trolleys and wheelchairs; and dozens of new items of cleaning equipment. The staff are also wearing new uniforms, which are colour-coded depending on their role.

Chief Executive Matthew Kershaw said: "I am really pleased to welcome our Soft FM colleagues as full members of the BSUH team. For many patients, these staff are just as important to their care as the doctors and nurses. A friendly porter getting somebody to the right place makes a real difference; a well presented meal is more likely to be eaten; and the cleanliness of our hospitals inside and out is vital to safe care."