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Meet Jackson Wu, an environmental services attendant at CHEO.
Jackson Wu has been a beloved member of CHEO’s environmental services team since 2009. Initially drawn to CHEO for the chance to work closer to home in a steady, full-time position, Jackson had previously worked in personal support as a healthcare assistant at a retirement home, taking on part-time and unpredictable agency shifts.
“I wanted one significant place to be — somewhere I could come to work, do my job and know my hours,” he said.
Jackson is responsible for maintenance across the hospital. He handles sharps containers, which are used to safely dispose of needles and other medical waste, along with setups and moves for various events and functions.
He collaborates closely with CHEO’s facilities team, ensuring that rooms and supplies are in place for both routine work and special projects. He is well known and respected by the staff at CHEO for going above and beyond to help with any request.
Despite his official job title, Jackson also takes on a mentoring role for his colleagues, providing them with the support they need to navigate their roles.
“I’m not a supervisor, but I do what I can to help,” he said.
While CHEO has provided the security Jackson needed, it is much more than a job to him.
“I love it here,” he said. “I get to meet new people – interact with families, help them out and hopefully put a smile on their face.”
One of Jackson’s most memorable experiences at CHEO involved an unexpected connection with a three-year-old boy, Frantzy Jean-Enticknap. Frantzy spent a year at the hospital – half of that in the ICU and the other half as an in-patient.
“I always saw him around when I was working on his floor,” said Jackson. “I thought I would give him some extra attention and eventually his mom started opening up to me.”
Jackson affectionately nicknamed Frantzy “Little Bruno Mars” as he got to know him and his mother, Katherine Enticknap. One day, Frantzy even put on a pair of gloves and joined him in cleaning — a small gesture that left a big impression.
“Jackson was a big part of our time at CHEO,” said Katherine. “He’s not a nurse or a doctor, but he’s a huge part of the hospital. He really connects with the kids.”
Beyond the memories he’s made, Jackson’s time at CHEO has also enriched his personal life. In 2012, he met his partner, who also works in housekeeping, and they’ve been together ever since.
“We come to work together, go to the gym here in the mornings and then head to our shifts,” he said.
Reflecting on his time at CHEO, Jackson said he is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in both big and small ways – and he plans to stay here until he retires.
From his regular work duties, to helping families navigate the hospital and making kids smile, his work is at the heart of what CHEO stands for.
“If we can do anything to make a family’s stay here a little easier or distract a child who’s having a rough day, we’ve done our job,” he said. “As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”
CHEO is made up of inspiring people like Jackson. Join us.