Ward Housekeeper

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Dorset County Hospital in a new service supporting patients and the ward teams, with particular emphasis on the hydration and feeding of patients.

You will be based on one of our wards, although you will gain knowledge of others, and will be supporting the ward team improving the environment for patients with a wide range of tasks.

Dealing with a wide range of people from a number of the multi disciplinary teams across the hospital, you will be the focus of some of the important aspects of patient care and improve the overall patient experience

There are varying shift patterns covering 7 days per week

Responsible for working with the ward team to develop and maintain the patient environment, and in particular.
- To support the daily food and hydration of patients on the ward, liaising with ward staff and the catering department to ensure that food and beverages provided meet the individual needs of patients.
- To assist in the maintenance of a safe and clean environment for the meal delivery service and provision of snacks and beverages
- To observe and escalate any concerns in patients.
- To assist in providing a professional and friendly environment for the patients
- To assist in ensuring that food safety and infection control guidelines are observed on the ward.
- To work as part of the ward multi
- disciplinary team, including attending necessary meetings, feeding back relevant patient information to support effective patient nutrition and care and the safe and smooth running of the ward.
- To assist in the maintenance of a clean, hygienic, and safe environment for patients and staff on the ward,
- To assist with stock control and ordering of ward supplies.

The team are very excited about this new role and are passionate about ensuring the best patient experience possible. You will be working as a part of the ward team but also as part of the wider support services team and will be able to influence the development of this new position.

The main responsibilities of this role include
- Assist patients with meal ordering, communicating food choices to patients and ensuring meal and drink deliveries’ meet individual patient dietary plans including, for example, swallow management plans.
- 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.
- Support the Ward Leader in non-clinical duties in relation to patient needs.
- Set up patient trays / dining tables for meal service, cleaning bedside tables before each meal,
- Accurately complete patient food charts and fluid charts.
- Assist with provision of hand cleansing wipes to patients both prior to and following food service as well as on an ad hoc basis. Assist with the use of, where necessary.
- Make and serve beverages/snacks, recording food and drink intake. Replenish patient water.
- supplies to support hydration.
- Assist with the receipt and checking of food trolley deliveries to the ward.
- Provide feedback to dieticians, kitchen staff and speech and language therapists to support patients’ nutritional needs.
- Maintain the privacy and dignity of patients at all times.
- Report any concerns in respect of patients to the nurse in-charge.
- Assist in the allocation of tasks to Ward volunteers as required.
- Maintain basic stores on the ward including ordering food supplies.
- Mange waste in line with Trust policy.
- 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.
- Check and record temperature of food and fridges.
- Maintain cleanliness and appropriate storage of equipment and furnishings on the ward. Clean and maintain ward kitchen areas including cupboards the fixtures and appliances.
- 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.
- Prepare bed spaces for new patients including making beds.
- 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.
- 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.
- Observing and monitor the condition of the environment and equipment when cleaning. Report any defect or concern.
- Responsible for maintaining clear and accurate records providing documentary evidence that cleaning has taken place.
- Responsible for reporting of incidents, accidents and near misses that occur at work.
- To ensure that all work is carried out in strict accordance with the hand