Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Who keeps a 24/7 hospital running? Meet the behind-the-scenes crew
Reading time: 5 minutes
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It takes more than doctors and nurses to run a hospital. At Children’s of Alabama in downtown Birmingham, it takes a team of hundreds of people working together to provide care for patients and families.
That includes the maintenance crew, whose work often happens out of sight but makes a difference in nearly every corner of the hospital. From keeping equipment and spaces in working order to adding a little extra joy with seasonal decorations, these employees help create an environment where patients can focus on getting better.
Meet two of the people behind that work and why they wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else.
What the Children’s of Alabama maintenance crew does
Gregory Key, a staff specialist who has worked at Children’s for 28 years, helps make sure work orders are completed and the hospital’s everyday essentials continue working as they should.
As a maintenance engineer, Alex Thompson helps drive deliveries, manage the warehouse and move furniture and equipment throughout the hospital.
Because Children’s operates around the clock, the maintenance team works in shifts to address issues as they arise and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
That means providing oxygen tanks, fixing doors and lights, moving furniture and essentially lending a hand wherever the hospital needs it.
Their goal is simple:
“We take care of the building and its needs so doctors, nurses and other staff can focus on taking care of kids.”
Gregory Key, Staff Specialist, Children’s of Alabama
Small touches that brighten a child’s day
While much of the maintenance team’s work centers on keeping the hospital functional, Alex said some of his favorite moments come from seeing how even the smallest details can brighten a child’s day.
When the team puts up Christmas decorations or adds seasonal touches throughout the hospital, he gets to see patients’ faces light up. Even a quick interaction in the hallway can make a difference for a child navigating an otherwise difficult day.
In fact, Alex had just changed out of the MC Hammer pants he wore to entertain the kids when we met up with him.
“Even today, while I dressed up, kids see us in the hallway and smile. We’re lightening their burden just a little bit, and for a child that’s a lot.
Beyond our jobs fixing things, anything that we can do to make them happier here makes me smile, and I don’t think I can get that from anywhere else.”
Alex Thompson, Maintenance Engineer, Children’s of Alabama
Gregory has found a similar sense of purpose in his nearly three decades at Children’s. Seeing the challenges patients face has changed the way he looks at life and strengthened his appreciation for the opportunity to help others.
“A lot of times, it’s easy to complain, but when you look at things that these patients and families are going through, it makes you stop complaining a little bit more and appreciate life.
There’s no other better place to work than Children’s Hospital. It’s about the kids, and knowing that you can make a difference in somebody else’s life, that makes it so fulfilling to come here every day.”
Gregory Key, Staff Specialist, Children’s of Alabama
Explore open roles in service + maintenance at Children’s of Alabama.
Children’s of Alabama runs as one big team
The maintenance crew may not always be the first people patients and families see, but their work is woven into nearly every part of the hospital experience.
A functioning room, a properly working door or the equipment staff need to do their jobs all depend on people working together behind the scenes.
Alex said he sees the hospital as one big team, with every employee playing an important role, from maintenance and environmental services to food service, doctors and nurses.
“The doctors and the nurses are the faces, and they are extremely important—but they can’t do their job without us, and we don’t have anything to do without them. So it’s a hand-in-hand team.
We take pride in being behind the scenes, making sure everything goes well. If you don’t notice our work, that means we’re doing a good job.”
Alex Thompson, Maintenance Engineer, Children’s of Alabama
Find your place at Children’s of Alabama
You don’t have to wear scrubs or work directly with patients to make a difference at Children’s of Alabama. From maintenance and facilities to food service, administration and other essential support roles, there are many ways to help the hospital care for kids.
If you’re looking for meaningful work where your skills can support something bigger, explore career opportunities with Children’s of Alabama and find your place on the team.
Ready to make a difference? Visit the Children’s of Alabama careers page to explore open positions.
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