Housekeeper - Nicol Unit

Job overview

Nicol Unit  is a19 bedded Rehabilitation /Sub acute Unit

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, caring and proactive Housekeeper to work within our team, focusing on providing the highest standard of care for our patients and their families.

Excellent organisational skills and good computer ability are essential in this role. You will work as part of a team providing care Monday – Friday.

Main duties of the job

To support nursing staff in the delivery and co-ordination of patient requirements.  The post holder will work part of the ward team ensuring a clean, safe and comfortable environment for the patient.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Meeting Nutritional Requirements

To assist patients to order food that meets their dietary requirements. Assisting ISS catering staff in the ordering of food that meets the patient’s dietary requirement and ensuring the relevant diet strips are above the patient beds

To check that the patient’s kitchen is stock with dietary supplements to meet the needs of the patients, as prescribed by a dietician.

Ensure dietary supplements are in date and that stock is correctly rotated.

To receive the meal trolley and to take charge of the meal service, during breakfast and lunchtime service, when it arrives on the ward.

To ensure that all patients receive their meals in a timely manner and that any discrepancies in patient orders are dealt with in conjunction with nursing staff and main kitchen.

To oversee the distribution of the meal service so that the Red Tray scheme is adhered to and protected mealtimes, as applicable.

To inform nurses of any meals that have not been eaten or evidence of a reduced appetite, which may need to be recorded on the patient chart as part of the dietary intake.

To promote a pleasant environment for eating, i.e. remove clutter from tables and ensuring patients are ready to receive their meal and that handwipes are available

To work in conjunction with the hostess to ensure that the patients fridge temperature is checked and accurately monitored and recorded and to ensure food is labelled and stored correctly, as per the Trust policy.

To ensure adherence to the protected mealtime policy.

To take responsibility for the staff fridge temperature checks, dispose of any out of date items and clean on a regular basis.

To take responsibility for the daily drug fridge temperature checks and to notify the nurse in charge or pharmacy technician of any drugs that are no longer required or are out of date.

Maintaining the Environment

To ensure all requirements for maintenance/repairs to equipment are reported in a timely manner via the intranet.

To monitor response times of any maintenance discrepancies that have been reported, within own remit.

To ensure patients lockers and bed side tables are kept clean and tidy, working in conjunction with the ISS domestic and clinical staff.

To maintain the cleanliness of all nursing equipment, to include; drip stands, pumps, dressing trolleys, computers on wheels, SEND/obs machines.

To maintain the cleanliness of the ward workable area i.e. nursing station to include wiping down of computers, workspaces and chairs. To work in conjunction with the ward clerk and progress chaser to ensure the area is kept visibly clean and clutter free.

In accordance with Trust policy and COSHH, ensure that there is a plentiful supply of Tristel available daily and replenished every 24 hours.

To ensure that the commodes are checked and cleaned in the sluice.

To ensure that the sluice supplies are well-stocked e.g. clinical supplies.

To ensure that that are adequate supplies of spillage kits.

For audit purposes, to maintain the cleaning records for the sluice.

Work in conjunction with the cleaning team, particularly on “floor cleaning” day, to supervise the movement of patients and assist the team by advising which equipment can be moved/unplugged etc. and to ensure the activities are carried out safely and in a dignified manner.

To ensure that all nursing equipment is correctly set up during the cleaning process to ensure patient safety

To liaise with the nurse in charge daily and check that the infection prevention advisory boards are up to date to promote the safety of all patients, staff and visitors

To daily check that the suction units work at each bed space, report any discrepancies and to ensure that the correct equipment is available and connected to maintain patient safety.

General

To ensure personal privacy, dignity and confidentiality is maintained.

To file patients records in the absence of the Ward Aide.

To respond to telephone calls in a courteous manner.

To receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality.

To ensure the cost-effective use of resources.

To respond to patients concerns through communication with nursing staff.

To respond to emergency protocols as appropriate

To maintain effective working relationships.

To promote effective communication with patients, colleagues, other health care staff and visitors to the trust.

Maintain a professional image at all times.

To assist with the logistics on the ward in ensuring that the ward has enough linens and PPE

Training and Education Role

The post holder will acknowledge their limitations in relation to any delegated task that they do not feel competent to perform.