Albany's approach to Swine Flu
Albany Washroom Services appreciate that in the current climate our customers may be concerned about the effect which H1N1 influenza (more commonly known as Swine Flu) may have on the services which Albany provides. We would therefore like to reassure our customers that in light of this confirmed flu epidemic; we will continue to ensure that you receive a reliable service with as little disruption as possible.
Numerous discussions have been held between employee Partners to guarantee that precautionary measures are implemented and followed by everybody. With many of our Partners being based on the road, and therefore with there being a greater risk of cross contamination, it is our responsibility to maintain a duty of care to both our Partners and our customers.
All preventative measures have been enforced to not only minimise the spread of the disease, but also to ensure that business is carried out as usual. As part of our commitment in maintaining a hygienic workplace, a healthy workforce and a normal service, a variety of steps have been taken.
As a means of controlling contamination, all Partners have been provided with a variety of products to help maintain a hygienic environment. These include anti-bacterial wipes for hard surfaces, particularly for use on desks and computers. In addition hand sanitisers have been placed at numerous points around the building, as well as personal hand sanitisers being provided to all our Customer Service Representatives (drivers). All of our service vehicles have been supplied and fitted with hand sanitisers so at to protect, not only our service Partners, but also the customers that they are servicing. The operations trainer has also been tasked with ensuring that our stringent controls are in place at all times, and that the best hand hygiene practice is employed by all Partners.
Extra care is being taken so that people do not work in close proximity to large groups of people, for long periods of time. Furthermore, where possible, guidance is also being given to individuals who have any concerns about the potential threat which Swine Flu poses.
Because we believe that it is vital to take the necessary steps to reduce any risk, strict procedures have been administered for visitors to the Albany office and depot. In brief we are desisting from greeting people with a hand shake, and we are encouraging use of the hand sanitisers upon entering and leaving the building.
As an aid for our customers, Albany has increased supplies of hand hygiene products and other solutions to help combat this growing epidemic. There has been a huge rise in demand for such preventative products and we are committed to helping our customers fight potential outbreaks within their own organisations.
Because the virus is currently very unpredictable, Albany will continually monitor the situation and react where necessary to any developments which may occur. In the meantime, emphasis will be placed on good washroom, office and on the road practices and even more specifically, good hand hygiene.
We believe that it is within everyone's interest to try to mitigate any potential threat and therefore we hope that you agree with the approach which Albany is taking and that you will also play your part in reducing the risk.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns.
Trekking in the Andes
Albany Washroom Services has always believed that, in addition to providing an excellent service to its customers, it also has a social responsibility to contribute to the local community. Accordingly, the Partners in the company are actively encouraged to find a fresh approach to give help and support to an appropriate charity in the Essex area.
Havens Hospices has been chosen as the nominated charity for 2007/8. It is an adult hospice caring for the long term and terminally ill and providing support, respite care and much needed advice and counselling to their families.
To help with this monumental task, two of our Partners, Deborah Cahill and Emma Wallis, are embarking on a voyage of personal discovery by undertaking an arduous trek up in the Andes in South America. The trek will take 10 days through steep trails in diverse mountainous countryside which will be extremely hard, both physically and mentally, but both are committed to succeeding to support this very worthwhile cause.
Commenting on her association with Havens Hospices, Deborah says “having witnessed at first hand the love and care that they provide to patients and their relatives, Havens Hospices is able to light up, what for many are, very dark days”.
Emma has also been touched by the work they do and says “Havens Hospices not only provides essential services, but it also allows patients to spend their final days in kind, dignified surroundings. It is also the bereavement support which Fair Havens offers that gives relatives the strength and comfort to rebuild their lives”.
Many of Albany’s Partners, customers and suppliers have been extremely supportive of the challenge that Deborah and Emma are undertaking.
However, further support is still needed.
If you wish to show your support through a donation to this worthy cause, please send your cheque, made payable to Havens Hospices, to Deborah Cahill and your support will be acknowledged here on the website.
All donations, no matter how small, are gratefully received.
Thank you for your support.
Hi-Five campaign
We also launched a pilot scheme to promote good hand hygiene in schools. Entitled ‘High Five’ the successful pilot programme is now being use in sales presentations and to educate children, teachers and customers alike.
Albany Washroom Services, Storm Design and Fair Havens in DIY Heaven
Albany Washroom Services has joined forces with Storm Design and Fair Havens, the adult hospice based in Westcliff on Sea, Essex, to raise funds for a make-over of the children’s visitor room.
The hospice provides in-patient, day and community care for people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses from Southend, Rochford and Castle Point, and relies heavily on local businesses and the community for support.
Albany pays particular attention to its relations with the local community, charities and how its business impacts on the environment. It has defined a programme, Albany cares, which provides support to initiatives in all of these areas, and Fair Havens was identified as the perfect partner.
Storm Design, a Westcliff-based creative communications agency, has also offered its design and project management skills.
A ‘Walkathon’ will take place on Sunday 19 March 2006 and Albany’s Partners (staff), family and friends will set out on a four mile walk from the hospice to the Kursaal and back, along Southend seafront.
Money raised from sponsorship and collections along the route, will be used by an Albany ‘make-over’ team to modernise and brighten up the children’s visitor room in April 2006.
Mike Burton, managing director of Albany, commented “I was moved by the passion and commitment shown by everyone at Fair Havens and realised these were values shared by Albany and our Partners. It was therefore an easy decision for Albany to take to support Fair Havens in such a direct way”.
Bernie Maloney, corporate fundraiser at Fair Havens said “Albany is the perfect example of a company caring for the local community. It understands that support comes in many forms, not just financial. By providing the funds as well as a team of volunteers to complete the make-over, Albany will help transform the children’s visitor room into a wonderful place for everyone who visits their loved ones at Fair Havens”.
Steve Tolton from Storm Design added “we are pleased to help with this project as it provides us with the opportunity to use our talents to create an environment that will really improve the stay of visitors and in-patients alike”.
