Housekeeper

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, dynamic Band 2 housekeeper to join our existing team working on the Palatine Ward.

Palatine Ward is a joint collaboration between the Haematology and Transplant Unit and the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) service, providing treatment for haematological malignancies and TYAs with all types of cancer. We have a large Stem Cell Transplant Programme, performing over 120 transplants a year and successfully obtained JACIE re-accreditation in January 2025.

You will need to be self-motivated, passionate and a team player to provide the high standard of care we deliver to our patients.

Treating patients with potentially curative diseases, alongside patients requiring end of life care, you will need excellent communication skills and an empathic nature.

Band 2 housekeeper will have the opportunity to work within a supportive environment. Previous experience in a healthcare setting is desirable. You will be required to undertake a range of duties associated with the upkeep of the unit’s environment and maintain the highest standard of cleanliness.

Main duties of the job

The Housekeeper will be required to undertake a range of duties associated with leading the housekeeping team for Palatine Ward. Working with other band 2 housekeepers and domestic team they will ensure a high level of cleanliness is maintained, both on the ward and in the relative’s accommodation areas.

They will have responsibility for ensuring that the ward is kept well stocked, but within relevant budget parameters, under direction of the Ward Senior Sister. This role includes helping with delivering meals and assisting in the ward kitchen to ensure food is delivered promptly.

This role will also oversee facilitating the maintenance of equipment and reporting estate requirements. This includes monitoring maintenance dates are adhered to and documenting measurement of room temperatures and room pressures.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CLEANING DUTIES

• To undertake cleaning duties in accordance with the schedules and procedures of the Unit including the daily damp dusting of all patients’ rooms to include cleaning of, lockers, tables, lights, beds, surfaces, under beds.
• Ensure Patient rooms are left free from clutter and provides a safe environment for the patient and staff.
• Ensure the ward/unit area is clean and tidy with particular responsibility for clean and dirty utility rooms, storeroom linen room, and cupboards, corridor areas and workstations.
• Undertake weekly/monthly deep cleans of treatment rooms and storage areas.
• To undertake domestic duties e.g. removal of clinical and household refuse, dishwashing and any other duties, which are appropriate to maintain a high standard of cleanliness in conjunction with the existing domestic service.
• To monitor standard of cleanliness on the ward/Unit daily, liaising with domestic service and Ward/Unit Manager.
• Take part in infection prevention through maintaining high standards of hand hygiene, undertaking regular training, and taking part in audits.

ENVIRONMENT

• Check and record fridge temperatures daily.
• To assist and direct patients/visitors where and when appropriate.
• To assist with the movement and escort of patients as appropriate to patient needs under the direction of the nurse in charge.
• Monitor infusion pumps, cleanliness, and return when not in use.
• To assist ward receptionist in clerical duties e.g. simple filing, delivering messages, answering telephones as requested by staff.
• To record and action requests for maintenance e.g. light bulbs, blocked sinks etc. and to monitor their completion.
• To check fixtures/fittings weekly and report for maintenance. If no action after two days, then report to Ward senior sister.
• To have an overall awareness of the ward/Unit environment, including general safety aspects e.g. free access to fire exits, alarm bells, patient radios etc.
• The post-holders’ duties must always be carried out in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To ensure rooms are cleaned daily according to policy.
• To assist hostess and ensure kitchen is always kept clean and ensure good stock rotation system is in operation for dry goods and provisions. To receive and check stores and other supplies.
• The post holder is responsible for taking reasonable care with regard to him/herself, as well as for any colleagues, patients or visitors who might be affected by any act or failure to act by the post holder in accordance with the Trust’s policies on Health and Safety at Work.
• Ensure hand-washing equipment soap, paper towels, alcohol hand gel available at all sinks
• These duties and responsibilities are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and management reserve the right to require staff to undertake other duties and responsibilities consistent with the grade of the post.
• To ensure the ward has correct stock levels including ordering of stock on NHS supplies and integra.
• To support health care assistants and ward hostesses with mealtimes

PATIENT NUTRITION

• To support health care assistants and ward hostesses with mealtimes
• Help find out what patient would like to eat and help deliver the meals to patient rooms in a timely manner
• Offer snacks between meals and provide drinks and refreshments
• Help serve meals from the trolley, considering dietary requirements
• Assist with maintenance and cleanliness of the kitchen
• To work in the kitchen in the absence of a ward hostess

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.