An in-house hospital cleaning and portering service has been so successful in its first six months that it is helping overcome staff shortages.

Abdul Rahman

Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, took over domestic staff after dismissing subcontractor Isis Mediclean, which had frequently worked to poor standards.

Managers claim standards have improved across the hospital, and the success has helped retain nursing staff.

Mike Fleming, ORH operational services director, said: "I can't recall in the last ten years ever having been in such an exceptional position with so few vacancies. The trust board is committed to spending £1.7m over two years to improve the service, with a better reward strategy for our workers.

"When I look at the reaction from staff who have seen the tangible difference in cleaning standards, it says it all. It's made a difference to nurses' working lives and is good for retention."

Out of 145 cleaner's posts only 15 are empty, while there are just four vacancies out of 95 portering jobs.

Isis Mediclean lost its £3.3m contract at the JR in May this year after failing to improve standards at the hospital.

Many of the subcontractor's staff transferred to the new in-house service. They now earn more money and are entitled to NHS benefits like sick leave and pensions.

Mr Fleming said: "This time last year cleaners and porters were earning £4.20-£4.32 an hour, now they get £5.10-£5.20. We have positioned ourselves better in the market.

"Domestic staff are better trained, and we've bought a lot of new equipment. The evidence is quite clearly in favour of the changes."

Managers have also introduced ward housekeepers for individual wards, and separated catering services from cleaning, so cleaners no longer serve food to patients.

Porter Abdul Rahman, 22, has worked at the JR for five years.

He said: "There has definitely been a difference in the last six months.

"We are all a lot happier and so are the patients.

"Before, we were short staffed and couldn't do our work properly.

He added: "Now we have more staff, we have pensions and sick pay, and give a better service."