Every day, close to 200 staff and dozens of participants move through the busy New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR) facility, where life-changing clinical research is taking place. Behind the scenes, Minesh and Hemali Patel work quietly and respectfully, ensuring the environment is maintained to the highest standard of cleanliness.
Based in Grafton, the five-level building includes office spaces, laboratories, a pharmacy, and clinical wards where participants take part in studies. Some visits are day stays, while others involve overnight or longer-term stays of up to a month. Recreation and dining areas also support participants throughout their time onsite.
With a 24/7 operation and constant movement throughout the building, cleaning plays a vital role in keeping the facility running smoothly. Minesh and Hemali service key high-traffic areas such as internal wards and bathrooms six days a week, where consistent attention is essential to meet the strict standards required in a clinical environment.
Over the years, they’ve proven to be a reliable and friendly team who provide the best possible cleaning service to NZCR. NZCR Operations Manager Mary Ellis-Pegler has been with the organisation for 17 years and describes Minesh and Hemali as a “cleaning dream team.”
“They really have become part of the team here,” she says. “They’re very warm and friendly.”
Mary says they have built strong relationships across all NZCR departments, taking time for friendly conversation and getting to know managers throughout the site.
Communication is a key part of the relationship, with Minesh and Hemali receptive to feedback and also offering practical suggestions around areas such as rubbish and recycling. Mary says this open, two-way approach has helped improve day-to-day operations.
Minesh and Hemali enjoy taking part in team events and recently donated two hampers for NZCR’s Pink Ribbon fundraising initiative. They also generously share gifts at Christmas as a way of showing their appreciation for their customers.
“They’re such kind people and they really care about doing the best they can do. We can tell they really care about our business,” says Mary.
Working in a research facility also requires strict attention to privacy and confidentiality, which Mary says they consistently uphold by working quietly and with minimal disruption.
After nine years on site, Minesh and Hemali are trusted members of the NZCR team. They are valued not only for the high standard of their cleaning, but also for the positive way they work alongside the wider team every day.
