Ward Housekeeper

Job summary

The Ward Hostess/Host role is responsible for the efficient and effective service of meal ordering, beverages and meals to patients at ward level to support ward clinical staff in the provision of a highly professional catering service at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

This role would be expected to follow the duties laid out by the Food Services Manager in the day to day operational management of food service to patients and to ensure that a high quality, food safety and cost effective service at all times.

Main duties of the job

To work under the direction of the Food Services Manager in the reheating of nutritious and appetizing meals for all patients, to the highest possible standards nutritional, temperature, quality, presentation, hygiene and safety

To be involved in the electronic patient meal ordering

Ensure high standards of food service, reheating of food and ensuring quality control process throughout.

To ensure temperature monitoring and recording of all reheating of food in accordance with standards as laid down in the Catering Departments Policies and Procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP)

Assist with receipt, quality assurance and stock control of goods received from the Central Production Unit (CPU). Correct storage and security of goods, adhering to stock rotation practices in accordance with kitchen HACCP.

Assist in Hygiene Audits and Cleaning Schedules inspections for your area of work is completed weekly, liaising with the Food Service Supervisors to ensure that any remedial work is carried out.

To assist in the general cleaning of crockery and kitchen utensils using the dishwashing machine and by hand when required.

About us

Where available, visa sponsorship is subject to the role meeting the Home Office Skilled Worker eligibility requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, the role being eligible for sponsorship and meeting the applicable salary threshold and other immigration requirements. Eligibility for sponsorship will be assessed in line with current Home Office guidance.

This is a legal and regulatory requirement, and we cannot proceed with sponsorship until UKVI has completed the approval process.

We regret any inconvenience this causes. Our decision is based solely on our current regulatory position and is not related to your suitability for the role or any personal characteristic.

SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services The company is separate legal body to CDDFT.

SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• A Competitive salary
• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only

Details

• Date posted: 06 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £24,852 a year pro rata, per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part-time
• Reference number: M9439-SCL406
• Job locations: Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

To support and assist the Food Services Supervisor and Food Service Manager in the provision of a highly professional catering service at Darlington Memorial Hospital and to ensure that high quality standards are met at all times

To follow the policies and procedures laid down by the catering services in the day to day operational management of food service and to ensure a high quality and cost effective service

To ensure that food safety and allergen regulations are adhered to at all times.

Provide and maintain a highly customer focused service to all users

Ensure that communication channels are maintained between appropriate staff / visitor / patient groups with regard to patient catering.

Work in a safe manner so that no other persons are put at risk whilst completing the required duties.

Initially deal with any complaints / comments regarding the service in a courteous manner from Trust staff or patients.

Developing staff preferences, promoting flexible working arrangements, and encourage change of working practice following major life changing events.