In December 2020, Necmiye Göcer started working as an hourly cleaner under Coor’s contract with the Karolinska University Hospital in Solna. Her former employer had lost a contract, and Necmiye was dismissed from the cleaning job she had had for 21 years.

“I had worked as a cleaner for many years, but never at a hospital. There was a lot that was new and it was a bit scary. I wasn’t used to working close to patients, but you get used to it after a while.”

”All new Coor employees at the Karolinska University Hospital take part in an introduction and training programme that covers everything they need to know when working in a hospital. Before they start working independently, the cleaners also work with a mentor for two weeks.

Necmiye quickly got into the role, and as an hourly employee she worked whenever there was a need and thus got to try different types of cleaning. A year later a group leader position became vacant. Necmiye was keen to get a permanent job and to continue to grow and develop, so she applied for the role and was pleasantly surprised when she got the job.

“Initially I wasn’t quite sure whether I would be able to cope with the new tasks. I wasn’t used to admin work or to having so much contact with customers and staff. But I learned quickly.”

Necmiye’s group has two group leaders who together manage around 40 people. Together with the group manager, they plan the daily work and engage in dialogue with the customer’s contact persons. They also help to introduce and coach employees.
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“You need to be available and to go with them to the department and show them what to do, rather than just tell them. I usually tell them to think that it could be one of their family lying there and to really put their heart into it,” she says, adding:
“My colleagues often come to me with questions or when they need to talk. We are like a family.”

Necmiye is responsible for cleaning in the surgery departments, which have stringent hygiene and PPE requirements. The hospital performs operations round the clock and the cleaners are there to help ensure that the hospital staff are able to carry out their life-saving work.

“We have a good working relationship with the hospital staff and a strong sense of togetherness. The group that works in surgery is a lovely team of positive people and many have been here for a long time. We are proud of our work.”

What is the best thing about your job?
“The fact that we are doing something important and become part of the patients’ lives. As cleaners, we interact with many patients over a long period of time and sometimes chat with them when we are cleaning their rooms. Another thing is that I learn new things all the time. I didn’t imagine I would develop this much. Take computers, for example. To start with I was only able to order goods, but now I draw up schedules, administer payrolls and do everything myself. I have become stronger and now dare to do more things.”