“I work in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the cardiac ward at the hospital as a housekeeper. I’ve been there for 14 years.
I’ve worked during three different outbreaks during this pandemic, all on this one unit. It was really hard for me because you ended up staying on the same floor all day. You end up double cleaning and using a lot of bleach and it can feel like you’re in a bit of a cage.
I was nervous at first, but I became more confident with the safety and protocols that have been put in place. And I love to help people so you just do the work without giving much thought to how you feel.
I was vaccinated at the same time as the rest of my team. It was a relief to get the vaccine after being part of so many outbreaks. The doctors and nurses included me in their team when they got vaccinated. They treat me very well. We all just want to be treated as part of the team.
We’re hoping that we can bring housekeepers back in house. Being paid more for me would mean that I can help my family back home in the Philippines more. The Philippines has been hit really hard by COVID.”
Mary Jean, housekeeper, part of the health care team