Ward Housekeeper

Job overview

Our housekeeping team are currently recruiting for a Ward Housekeeper, whose role is to maintain a safe, clean and tidy environment for our patients.  We have the following posts available:

1x 30 hour permanent post available

1x 18 hour permanent post available.

Under current Home Office Immigration Rules, this role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria and the position is not therefore eligible for sponsorship. Applications from candidates that require skilled worker sponsorship will NOT be shortlisted.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a dedicated and caring  individuals, who will take pride in ensuring a safe and clean ward environment and contributing to patient care.

The role itself is physically demanding but rewarding.  Experience of cleaning in the work place and hospitality would be beneficial. This position is in addition to the domestic positions on the ward and will involve a range of duties.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To maintain cleanliness and appropriate storage of equipment and furnishings within the ward area as defined by Trust approved cleaning responsibility document.
• To support effective cleaning by ensuring the ward environment is free from unnecessary items or equipment.
• Work to NHS and Trust policies and standards of cleanliness and the required work frequencies as per schedules provided.
• To support, as required, enhanced cleaning provision including increased frequency of rooms and bays as required by Infection Prevention & Control Standards.
• To ensure the ward kitchen(s) are kept clean, tidy, and stocked and that fridge temperatures are monitored daily. Responsible for returning temperature record sheets to housekeeping manager monthly.
• To ensure the ward kitchen is managed in line with Food Safety Policy and Procedure, including adhering to stock control, labelling, allergen management and other relevant guidance.
• To support the delivery of meal and beverage service and, as required, ad hoc requests to support patients’ nutritional needs – for example collecting additional meals or snack from the main kitchen or restaurant.
• To support in non-clinical duties in relation to patient needs.
• To ensure the correct use of chemicals for the type of surface and finish, making certain the handling, storage and safe usage are in line with the COSHH regulations, data sheets and training given.
• To adhere to all aspects of Infection Control in all areas of work, including the use of colour coded equipment to ensure there is no spread of infection.
• Responsible for observing and monitoring the condition of the environment you clean and report any defects that will prevent you from carrying out your duties via the Trust Estates reporting mechanism.
• Responsible for assessing the condition of all equipment you use and report any defects observed to ensure its continued quality and safety and reporting defects via the Trust Estates reporting mechanism.
• Responsible for maintaining clear and accurate records providing documentary evidence that cleaning has taken place.
• To respond to any actions that may arise from cleaning, infection control, or other relevant audits.
• Responsible for reporting of incidents, accidents and near misses that occur at work via the use of Datix.
• To ensure that all work is carried out in strict accordance with the handling and moving training received to ensure your personal health and safety and that of others.
• To ensure all tasks are completed using the risk assessments and ‘safe systems of work’ as instructed by your Housekeeping Manager or Deputy.
• To ensure patients privacy and dignity is maintained throughout your work.
• Report any problems that might arise from your duties.
• Responsible for ensuring security of stock whilst also monitoring and managing the stock levels and re-ordering on a weekly basis or as required.
• Ensure that the assigned area of work is left secure by ensuring that where necessary all windows and doors are closed or locked, alarms are set and that lights are turned off.
• Co-operate fully when new methods of work or frequencies of cleaning are introduced.
• Demonstrate own activities/tasks to new employees on a ‘work shadowing’ basis.