I am a domestic assistant at Morpeth NHS Centre.

The purpose of my role is to ensure a clean and sanitised environment for patient care. Behind the scenes at every healthcare setting is infection control. In many ways for our team, it really has been business as usual.

Everything in the building is sanitised on a daily basis. We have disposed of anything that may potentially spread coronavirus. Paper information leaflets and magazines, anything that has been handled or touched. So it is a very plain and boring waiting room at the moment!

The NHS Centre is temporarily one of the north east’s hubs for coronavirus testing. During the pandemic all patients are advised not to enter the building without an appointment or with any symptoms of coronavirus. Face coverings must be worn inside and hands sanitised.

The waiting room used to be so busy. Of course everyone now has to socially distance. I miss chatting with some of the patients.

As a domestic, you are constantly on the move. It could be very hot wearing all of the PPE supplied. It was hard going at times especially in summer. I feel very fortunate to have been able to continue to work right through the pandemic – it has kept me sane if I am honest.

I feel very proud to be part of a team who have all worked extra hard to support our NHS behind the scenes to keep things going. I was driving home from work a few times when people were coming out to clap on their doorsteps for the NHS. It was lovely to see so many people come out in recognition of NHS staff and keyworkers.

I live with my two children aged 9 and 11. My youngest has enjoyed drawing rainbows on our front window during lockdown. Home schooling has been a challenge but has been nice to spend more family time together at home.