Patient Catering Assistant - LRI

Job overview

The role of the Patient Catering Assistant is to carry out duties within the chilled production and wash up areas in the main kitchen as required. Providing a high standard patient meal service, in a professional and responsive manner, meeting the needs of the patients. Preparation and regeneration of Meals at ward level on a daily basis.

Working as part of a Team to include Ward Staff to provide all Patient Meals in a timely manner within Food Safety guidelines.

UHL provides Breakfast, Lunch & Supper to over 1800 patients per day. Which includes Snacks, Beverages & Special Dietary requirements.

Observing; Trust policies and processes Food Safety Management Systems Local processes Food Safety Policies

Main duties of the job

Transporting the Patient Meals from the Catering Department to the Ward for evening meal service, checking arrival temperatures.

Cooking the meals on the Ward using microwaves, using a probes and wipes and completing the Food Safety paperwork

Checking that each patient has received a Meal, which could include taking an order, collecting the items and continue cooking until Ward is complete

Cleaning of the Ward Kitchen after service

Returning the used crockery and cutlery to the Catering Department and Washing up, using an industrial dishwasher

Recording and disposing of all food waste

Departmental Cleaning, which includes dismantling the Dishwasher and reassembling.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Visiting Wards and collecting meal orders directly from patients using an electronic collation system (SAFFRON) by the means of a hand-held tablet

Delivering meals to wards/departments via trolleys, Regen Ovens and in Cam carts in the set time frame for the patient meal service. Collection of dirty and used cutlery in/on trolleys or Cam Carts in a timely manner.

Completing meal service at ward level

Minimal food preparation as required in the main production kitchen. Working in the wash up area of the kitchen, using a machine dish wash and also manually washing up when required.

Able to accurately record and monitor temperatures to required frequencies.

Ensuring that foods are checked for suitability for special diets. Reporting any faults or defects of equipment or kitchen area to your supervisor, ensuring that any equipment is taken out of use and labelled do not use.

Picking and packing and preparation of patient meal trays for meal service, adhering to Trust Food Safety Management Policies and Procedures at all times when required. Working within chilled areas and in wet environments. Responsibility for ensuring the high standards of cleanliness is maintained throughout the work area adhering to Trust policies and procedures. To carry out cleaning tasks, both specific and generic, to prescribed work schedules for designated areas, in line with Trust policies and procedures. To adhere to Trust Infection Control Prevention and Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) policies in carrying out cleaning tasks. To adhere to the Trust colour coding system to prevent cross infection. Ensuring the correct and economical use of materials and cleaning chemicals seeking advice from the Team Lead if in any doubt. To remove and dispose of food, cardboard, and household waste adhering to Waste regulations and Trust policies and procedures. Ensure all equipment is cleaned after use and stored securely. Ensure all cleaning products are stored securely.

Report to your Team Lead any incidents, accidents, mishaps.

Preparing meal trays and regeneration of patient meals at ward level adhering to Trust food safety management policies and procedures at all times

Recording meal temperatures prior to service delivery

Responsibility for the ward kitchen/regeneration area ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained

Operating a ‘Clean as you go’ process within working environment.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.