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Housekeeper

  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry, Junior & Mid Level
  • Healthcare
    Facilities Management
  • Bristol

AI generated summary

  • You need Maths/English A-C/9-4, good communication, teamwork, organization, flexibility, and initiative. A food hygiene cert and hospital or hospitality experience are desirable.
  • You will assist patients with meals and drinks, maintain a clean kitchen area, monitor food intake, manage waste, ensure hygiene standards, and support staff training and communication.

Requirements

  • Education
  • Essential criteria
  • Education Maths/English Grade A-C / 9-4
  • Desirable criteria
  • Food Hygiene qualification/certification
  • Experience
  • Desirable criteria
  • Hospital experience Catering/Housekeeping
  • Hospitality experience
  • Essential
  • Essential criteria
  • Good Communication/ Customer Skills
  • Team Working
  • Organisation Skills
  • Flexible / Adaptable
  • Able to use own initiative

Responsibilities

  • To encourage and assist patients to order food, where necessary taking into account special needs and medical requirements as directed by ward staff.
  • To ensure people have any assistance they require to eat and drink and to monitor food intake in conjunction with the ward nurse.
  • To prepare and serve hot/cold snacks (e.g. breakfast) as requested offering a 24 hour snack service.
  • To serve meals in conjunction with the nursing team, ensuring patients intake is known and that their dietary needs are met.
  • To provide eating assistance, e.g. cutting up food, placing food within reach/ feed patients and providing friendly encouragement to patients with regards to eating.
  • To prepare hot/cold beverages including appropriate trolley/equipment regularly at scheduled times.
  • To ensure all regenerated meals and beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations and Trust operational policy.
  • To prepare areas where food and beverages are served/consumed to ensure a pleasant environment for patients.
  • To wash all equipment/utensils used in preparation, regeneration, serving and consuming food and beverages at breakfast and on beverage rounds.
  • To check that the ward kitchen is clean and tidy at all times, e.g. discarding out-of-date food and stock rotation beyond the daily clean by the patient support team (PST).
  • To ensure refrigerated food is labelled and stored correctly in accordance with Trust operational policy.
  • To ensure in conjunction with the ward nurse that discharged and newly admitted patients meal requirements are actioned.
  • To co-ordinate extra meal requirements that may arise.
  • To ensure that patients whose fluid intake is not medically restricted have access to fresh water.
  • To assist in the monitoring and audit of service delivery, especially related to cleaning, food, linen and the environment, at the agreed frequency, and to inform the ward sister of the outcomes.
  • To assist in completing the wards defect call log book, ensuring all defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.
  • To assist in co-ordinating other ad hoc maintenance, liaising with the support service helpdesk as required for other services.
  • To assist the Senior Sister in carrying out regular equipment monitoring as necessary in accordance with procedures.
  • To transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per the policy, e.g. taking waste to the ward disposal area in conjunction with the PST.
  • To participate with ward staff in monitoring the access and security and use of premises and facilities.
  • To ensure that patients space is respected including attending to patients perishable items e.g. fruit.
  • To respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out housekeeping duties.
  • To liaise with the Senior Sister concerns relating to the potential for adverse behaviour and security breaches.
  • To use communication skills to help manage and prevent any aggressive and abusive behaviour, and escalate this to a senior member of staff as necessary.
  • To ensure the safe storage of equipment.
  • To ensure equipment is in good working order. Ensure equipment repairs are carried out in line with trust policy.
  • To assist in maintaining and updating paper-based records and information as required.
  • To respond to requests for general information.
  • To receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality.
  • To understand the Trusts Complaints Procedure and act in accordance with this procedure.
  • To assist with training of staff involved with ward housekeeping services explaining the required standards.
  • To be aware of any new food hygiene standards, changes to waste categorization, etc.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of a Housekeeper in this role?

The primary responsibility of a Housekeeper is to assist in the coordination of all patient facilities/services in the ward area, ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Essential qualifications include Education Maths/English Grade A-C / 9-4. A food hygiene qualification/certification is desirable.

Is previous experience in a hospital or catering environment necessary?

While not essential, previous experience in hospital catering/housekeeping or hospitality is desirable.

What hours will I be expected to work?

The Housekeeper role requires flexibility, with shifts covering a Monday to Sunday service, including bank holidays.

Can I apply for this job if I have applied for a similar position before?

No, previous applicants need not apply for this position.

How can I ensure my application is prioritized?

It is advised to apply as soon as possible, as the advert may close early upon receiving sufficient applications.

Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?

If you have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

How does the merging of NBT and UHBW affect employment?

If you join NBT before the merger, your employment will automatically transfer to UHBW after the merger; if you begin after the merger, you will be employed directly by UHBW.

What is included in the housekeeping duties?

Housekeeping duties include cleaning, catering, ensuring patient facilities are stocked, monitoring food intake, and maintaining safety and cleanliness standards in the ward.

Are there any specific skills required for this role?

Essential skills include good communication and customer service skills, teamwork, organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to use one's initiative.

How can I receive updates about my application status?

You may be contacted via TRAC or email, so it's recommended to regularly check your TRAC account and email accounts, including junk and spam folders.

Are travel expenses covered for interview attendance?

No, North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses related to interview attendance.

What should I do if I require support due to a disability?

If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme, you can contact North Bristol NHS Trust for further support/advice at tel 0117 414 1151.

What commitments does North Bristol NHS Trust have regarding diversity?

North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and aims to be an anti-discriminatory organization, encouraging applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds.

NBT Cares

Science & Healthcare
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1992
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

North Bristol NHS Trust provides a range of acute and specialist healthcare services across the Bristol area. Their mission is to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care with a focus on innovation and excellence. Their purpose is to improve health outcomes and patient experiences by offering high-quality care through their hospitals and community services.