Cook

Job overview

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Cook to join our Catering Team working in its two locations of West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket Community Hospital.

The Catering Department operates 365 days a year, and this full‑time role (37.5 hours per week) involves rostered 7.5‑hour shifts between 6:30am and 7:00pm, at both locations including alternate weekend work.

Key responsibilities include preparing meals using standardised recipes, serving patient meals, maintaining high hygiene standards, washing up, cleaning equipment, and supporting service in the staff and visitors dining room. Applicants must demonstrate strong customer service and communication skills, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and remain calm under pressure. Solid knowledge of hygiene principles, literacy and numeracy skills, and appropriate chef qualifications are essential.

Main duties of the job

• Provide a safe, high‑quality catering service working as part of a team.
• Maintain excellent hygiene and food safety standards.
• Prepare and serve nutritious meals following standard recipes and using fresh ingredients.
• Sustain concentration when producing multiple dishes in a busy environment.
• Apply knowledge of HACCP, COSHH, and departmental hygiene procedures.
• Follow IDDSI guidance to ensure patient safety.
• Offer advice to ward staff on allergens, dietary needs, and food textures when dietetic support is unavailable.
• Adhere to Trust policies and report issues to the line manager.
• Support Food Service Supervisors in the absence of senior production staff regarding dietary and IDDSI matters.

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the full job description and person specification attached for more details on the job role.