We’re proud to have 50 hotels that are open to support key workers including NHS staff and vulnerable groups.
Whilst the majority of our hotels remain temporarily closed, we’re making changes in our open hotels to keep our customers and teams safe, such as introducing perspex screens with 2m distancing taping in reception and social distancing and safety advice notices throughout the hotel.
We speak to Angela who is Assistant Manager at Travelodge Glasgow Govan – the closest hotel to Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University hospital.
Hi Angela! What does your job currently entail?
My current job has not changed too much as it is business as usual but I am putting more emphasis on constantly communicating to my team and customers on the importance on staying safe in this critical time. I am stringent that we are all following public health and government instructions. We have a lot of NHS workers staying with us at the moment and they are arriving at different times throughout the day and night so we have to ensure that we have a constant supply of clean rooms and comfy beds available for them.
How are you and your colleagues keeping themselves safe in the current climate?
Right from the start of the outbreak we have had strict instructions in place, so it has become a way of life for us now. However we have introduced more safety measures. This includes a daily briefing I give to my team on the importance of social distancing and constantly washing your hands. We have signage in all public areas, floor markings highlighting the correct distance and monitoring how many customers can check in at any one time. We have fitted perspex screens on the reception desk. All team members have gloves and hand sanitisers to use.
Are you doing anything different for hospital workers?
We are continuing to maintain our normal high standard of service as we cater for NHS workers throughout the year – as our hotel is located close to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. At the moment our wonderful NHS workers check-in in throughout the day and night and our mission is to ensure that they have a comfortable stay, a good sleep and leave our hotel feeling revitalised. We have housekeeping team members working at night to ensure that we have a constant supply of clean rooms available for our customers.
How are you rising to the challenge?
At Travelodge, we like a challenge but this one is a mammoth one and we have embraced it as working as one team with dedication and passion to succeed and deliver our best service. We love going the extra mile and putting a smile on our customers faces.
Any interesting stories you can share since the UK lock down?
One night, we had to provide urgent accommodation for an NHS helicopter pilot after he had to make an emergency landing in Glasgow after a very long shift. We managed to get him some toiletries, a takeaway and also provided him with a list of our 50 Travelodge hotels that are currently operating from Plymouth to Aberdeen so that he can always find a Travelodge room throughout the UK.
How are you finding managing your work and your family life amidst the outbreak?
Being a working mum is a challenge at the best of times but it has become more challenging in the current climate with having to ensure we are on top of homeschooling.
My husband, Alex is also a key worker, he is a Senior Parts Supervisor for a large commercial vehicle dealership and he is currently keeping core delivery vehicles, emergency services, and vehicles that deliver oxygen to hospitals on the road. He is also working shifts and between us we are managing home schooling so we don’t have much time for anything else apart from work, rest and homeschooling and keeping the children entertained.
