An opportunity has arisen for a Housekeeper to join our professional, caring, and friendly team within the Surgical Division.
We are looking for someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about patient care. You will be working in a multidisciplinary team and will need to be able to think on the spot, to be proactive, empathetic, and good team player.
We provide development opportunities to all members of our team.
You will receive a full induction and support in your role including a supernumerary period shadowing an experienced Housekeeper.
This role is for 3 days a week (Weds, Thursday and Friday).
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Please note - we are unable to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (Work Permit) for this role.
The role of Housekeeper is vital for the smooth running of the department. You will be responsible for supporting the nursing team with non-clinical tasks, such as ordering patient’s food, providing patients with meals, drinks and snacks as requested, and helping to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for patients.
You will be responsible for monitoring, ordering, and managing the storeroom supplies to ensure that the department is kept well stocked. You will also be responsible for escalating, to the appropriate parties, any environmental issues such as broken macerators, fridges and cleanliness issues etc.
The successful post holder will also need to ensure a high standard of cleanliness in both patient and non-patient areas.
With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imaging models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
At West Herts we offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance and the ability to work flexibly.
We kindly invite you to consider submitting an application.
If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
The post holder will uphold and display Trust values of Commitment, Care & Quality
Responsibilities for Catering
Assist patients to order food, where necessary taking into account special needs and medical requirements.
Liaise with Kitchen Manager /staff to ensure food provided is of a consistent high standard and meets patients’ needs
Prepare and serve hot/cold snacks (e.g. toast) as requested in line with Trust policy.
Take joint responsibility with the nursing/midwifery team to serve meals, ensure patient’s intake is recorded and reported and that dietary needs are met.
Ensure red trays are provided for all patients deemed nutritionally at risk. Provide eating assistance, e.g. cutting up food, placing food within reach, and encouraging patients to eat.
Ensure all food and beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations.
Take responsibility for the Ward kitchen, ensuring it is clean at all times, e.g. discarding out-of-date food, stock rotation and labelled correctly
Ensure patients whose fluid intake is not medically restricted have easy access to fresh water (e.g. jugs and glasses).
Responsibilities for Cleaning
Assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the Ward, which will include spot cleaning when required. Ensuring the Ward is clean, safe and tidy at all times.
Joint responsibility with Ward staff for cleaning specialist equipment as per Trust/Ward policy e.g. commodes, drip stands etc.
Responsibilities for Cleaning
Assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the Ward, which will include spot cleaning when required. Ensuring the Ward is clean, safe and tidy at all times.
Joint responsibility with Ward staff for cleaning specialist equipment as per Trust/Ward policy e.g. commodes, drip stands etc.
Ensure isolation nursing areas are cleaned appropriately and identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the Senior Sister/Charge Nurse/Midwife.
Responsibilities for the Ward Environment
Carry out monitoring and evaluation of service delivery especially related to cleaning, catering, linen and the environment within agreed guidelines.
Monitor and co-ordinate any ad hoc maintenance, recording and liaising with the support service helpdesk as required.
Transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste (outside of the domestic’s duties) as per the policy, e.g. taking waste to the ward disposal area.
Clean and prepare beds and making sure there is adequate linen for the ward.
Ensure the patient’s bed space is respected including attending to patients’ fruit, flowers, etc.
Responsibilities for General Duties
Receive, welcome and guide visitors on the Ward, liaising with other staff as appropriate.
Transport equipment, consumables and written information as required.
Maintain and update non-clinical records and information as required.
Receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality.
Deal with initial complaints and conflict if required in a polite, calm manner and report to Nurse/Midwife in charge.
Assist with training of staff involved with Ward Housekeeping services into Ward routines to achieve required standards.
Respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out housekeeping duties.
Ensure their own actions reduce risks to health and safety and to promote a health and safety culture within the workplace.
Respond to emergencies as appropriate.
Foster patient’s equality, diversity and rights and maintain confidentiality.
Ensure wherever possible that patients have adequate supplies to meet their basic needs, e.g. toiletries as required.
Ensure the Ward has sufficient stocks to meet patient and staff needs.
Assist client with accessing and interpreting written information e.g. cards and letters.
Explain the correct use of equipment to patient e.g. Nurse call bell.
