Heart of Health: Julie Wood and Susan Matheson keep Eastern Kings Memorial Health Centre “clean and germ-free” for patients and staff

With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we’re featuring the two-person housekeeping team at Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre in Wolfville: Julie Wood and Susan Matheson.

Julie Wood and Susan Matheson are the housekeeping team at Eastern Kings Community Memorial Health Centre (EKMCHC). Lisa Garand, site leader for EKMCHC, describes the duo as “the backbone of cleanliness” and says they work hard to “ensure spaces are visually appealing but also safe and hygienic for all occupants.”

Wood works full-time at the facility, while Matheson works two days a week at EKMCHC and works at Valley Regional Hospital (VRH) in Laundry and as a casual housekeeper.

Both Wood and Matheson are grateful to be part of the EKMCHC team. “I feel as though we’re all on the same page,” said Wood. “We all want to do the best for this site. I feel very respected here. We all get along.”

Matheson agrees. “My coworkers are fantastic. We have a mutual respect. You’re an equal no matter what department you’re from.”

For Wood, the greatest reward of the job is “knowing that I am keeping the site clean and germ-free as best I can. That means a lot to me.”

“Ditto,” chimed Matheson. “It feels pretty good at the end of the day.”

Their impact is felt across the facility, said Garand. “They’re amazing. We couldn’t function without them.”

We want to learn and share your stories. What keeps you going, despite challenges? What does working in health and health care mean to you, both personally and professionally? Who is that colleague or teammate that makes going to work easier when things feel hard?

Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Let’s celebrate each other! E-mail: heartofhealth@nshealth.ca.