Angela, 39 is Assistant Manager at Glasgow Govan Travelodge - the closest Hotel to Glasgow Queen Elizabeth University hospital and she is working to keep the hotel open for the hospitals NHS workers.
What does your job involve during lockdown?
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. 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 and a takeaway too.
How are you and your colleagues keeping yourselves safe?
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 hand sanitisers on the reception desk for customers to use and we are having perspex screens fitted on the reception desk. All staff have gloves and hand sanitisers to use.
What sort of logistical challenges are you facing?
We have a rising number of colleagues who are in self-isolation, absent with sickness, unable to work due to restrictions in place or their need to care for school-age children. Our supply chain has been significantly disrupted too, particularly laundry. This has obvious implications at a time when cleanliness and hygiene are paramount, but we handle it with a smile.
How do you find managing your work and family life?
Being a working mum is a challenge at the best of times but it has become more challenging in the current climate. 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. Between us we are managing our home, home-schooling, plus entertaining the children.