24 hours in...Operational Services - Princess Alice Hospice

Read about Jem's role as a Facilities Assistant in our Operational Services team

How would you describe your role in one sentence? 

I work as a building maintenance operative, conducting reactive and proactive activities to ensure the building runs efficiently, safely and looks good for patients, colleagues and visitors.

Can you give us a potted history of your career so far?

I started working as a digital marketing apprentice at Unilever when I was 19 and spent 6 years working in central London before leaving the corporate life to travel for a year. I then came back and reskilled myself as an electrician, whilst renovating my house, doing jobs on the side before finding this position at the Hospice.

How long have you worked for the Hospice?

I’ve been at the Hospice for 18 months now.

What three words would you use to describe Princess Alice Hospice?

 Calm, compassionate and caring,

What do you think other people would be surprised to know about your role? 

We get up to 15,000 steps in a day working all over the Hospice, completing jobs everywhere, from the IPU to The Shed. I still refute I was on a run to compete in the internal May steps challenge had the app not logged me out of the leaderboard!

What personal qualities do you think you need to do your job? 

Versatility and problem solving. Being trained as an electrician has helped me, but the jobs we do here vary all over the building trade landscape, from plumbing to decorating, even to fitting a new kitchen in the refreshed coffee shop. I’ve also learnt a few tinkering skills fixing all manner of appliances that break on the IPU.

Who have you learned the most from since starting work at the Hospice?

Nick, who has sadly left the hospice, was a great mentor and made sure to involve me in all his complicated jobs around the Hospice. He was great at explaining his actions as he completed them so I could learn from him and then handle any repeat problems that arise next time around the Hospice. I had a hatred for plumbing work before working with him, but now I only have a mild indifference to plumbing tasks thanks to Nick.

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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24 hours in…Operational Services

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