Elzbieta Biel, a cleaner at University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been crowned Domestic of the Year, and Eddie Thawe, a porter at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has scooped Porter of the Year at the 2025 MyCleaning and MyPorter awards.
Now into their fifth year, these awards, in partnership with NHS England, recognise the often ‘unsung heroes’ of the NHS, giving those remarkable individuals and teams who make such a significant contribution to patient safety, comfort and the smooth running of patient services the recognition they deserve.
This year’s awards received almost 500 nominations across the two streams, giving the judging team of sector experts, including Phil Shelley, Emma Brookes and Fay Lane from NHS England’s National Estates & Facilities team, a very difficult task.
Domestic of the Year
Elzbieta’s journey from cancer patient to healthcare hero is a story of extraordinary determination. Diagnosed with cancer, she found strength in her unwavering commitment to protecting patients from infection – and used that very dedication to fuel her recovery.
Known affectionately as Ela, her journey from cancer patient to healthcare hero is a story of extraordinary determination. Ela’s return to work after treatment wasn’t just a personal triumph – it was a beacon of hope for both her colleagues and the patients she serves. Known for her meticulous cleaning and kind-hearted gestures, Ela’s presence brings comfort and care to all those around her, from young patients to their families.
One patient’s family wrote: “Ela’s kindness and attention to detail made our time at the hospital so much easier. She went out of her way to make us feel cared for, and her compassion meant the world to us during such a difficult period.”
Ela also stepped into a leadership role after her return, mentoring junior staff and introducing a new cleaning protocol that significantly reduced patient waiting times.
Porter of the Year
Eddie has been a valued member of the portering team since 2006. In spite of the personal tragedy of losing his wife in November 2022, and raising his two sons alone, Eddie has remained a beacon of kindness, resilience and professionalism.
His approach to patient care goes beyond the usual duties of a porter. He forms genuine connections with patients, takes the time to listen to their stories and offer support, treating each patient as an individual. His warmth and attentiveness provide comfort to those he interacts with.
During the pandemic, Eddie started documenting the life lessons shared by patients. This thoughtful collection of wisdom reflects his deep respect for the experiences of others and his ability to connect meaningfully with those he cares for.
Eddie also shows unwavering commitment to the hospital’s needs, frequently taking on extra shifts and swapping schedules to ensure service continuity. His personal strength, combined with his positive outlook on life make him a special member of the team.
Being nominated for an award is special, and being shortlisted is an even greater achievement. Congratulations to everyone whose work was recognised with a nomination and especially those who were shortlisted. The full category winners is below. There will be a more detailed report of this event in the May/June issue of HEFMA’s Pulse magazine.
MyCleaning Award Winners:
• Newcomer of the Year: Daniel Donkin, Sunderland Royal Hospital
• Leadership of the Year: Liliana Lopes, Great Western Hospital
• MyAudit Auditor of the Year: Elaine Farmer, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Healthcare Cleaning Team of the Year: Rapid Response Team, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Lifetime Achievement: Steven Turner, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
• MyCleaning Domestic of the Year: Elzbieta Biel, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
MyPorter Award Winners:
• Newcomer of the Year: Cormack Mylchreest, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Trust
• International Porter of the Year: Robin Boleat, Jersey General Hospital
• Leadership of the Year: Karen Horan, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience: Laura Ward, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Portering Team of the Year: Barnsley Portering Team, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
• Dennis Southern Lifetime Achievement: Alan Sutton, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Porter of the Year: Eddie Thawe, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
