Viral 78-year-old Walsall healthcare 'Twinnies' get global recognition for 'work ethic and commitment'

Caring pair Christine Webb, 78 and Maureen Brain, also 78, both Support Service Assistants at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, were presented with Fortnum and Mason festive hampers by Leading an Empowered Organisation (LEO), an international leadership programme.

The hampers were presented by Lisa Carroll, chief nurse, and Lorna Kelly, associate director of research and professional development at Walsall Healthcare.

Known as ‘'the Twinnies’, they prepare hot drinks and meals for patients, then clear up after everybody, and have 'no plans' to retire.

Walsall Healthcare was the first NHS Trust to introduce LEO’s three-day leadership course in 2021 after Covid-19, which has since been rolled out at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust too.

One of the key elements of the programme is celebrating staff and recognising commitment.

A video featuring Chris and Maureen, who work in the Manor Hospital’s Acute Medical Unit kitchen and ward, has been watched more than 23,000 times on social media. 

 Dickon Weir-Hughes, master trainer and licence holder at LEO, was moved to tears by the dedication of the ladies, who have worked for the trust for 20 years.

 He wanted to salute their commitment to the Manor and the patients and staff at Walsall.

Dickon said: “Their video attracted my attention and their work ethic and commitment to the people of Walsall brought a tear to my eye.

“One of the messages we emphasise on the course is everyone in the healthcare team has an equally vital role.

“Christine and Maureen are excellent examples of the criticality of the wider healthcare team.

“Clinical staff cannot deliver excellent and safe care without them and their colleagues. On behalf of everyone involved, we salute you and thank you.”

Lisa said: “It’s absolutely fabulous what Chris and Maureen have done and their dedication to our patients and staff.

“You can see their energy and enthusiasm – it’s amazing. I’m really proud of them and it’s very well deserved.”

Lorna added: “We salute Chris and Maureen for working so hard. We thank you for your service to our patients and to the NHS, and for the way you interact with the patients and staff here. It’s clear you make a massive difference.”

Widow Chris, a mum of twins, grandmother-of-five and great-grandmother-of-two, said: “This is marvellous. I didn’t know what to expect when we were called in – Maureen was having kittens!”

Maureen, married to retired builder Allan for 58 years, and a mum-of-two, grandmother-of-five and great-grandmother-of-10,  added: “It’s very nice to receive this and we’re very grateful. It was a lovely surprise.”