Housekeeper - Nicol Unit

Job Summary Nicol Unit is a 19‑bedded Rehabilitation / Sub‑acute Unit. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, caring and proactive Housekeeper to work within our team, focusing on providing the highest standard of care for our patients and their families. Excellent organisational skills and good computer ability are essential. You will work as part of a team providing care Monday – Friday. Main duties of the job To support nursing staff in the delivery and co‑ordination of patient requirements. The post holder will work part of the ward team ensuring a clean, safe and comfortable environment for the patient. About Us South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is rated Outstanding by the CQC and positioned 4th in the country for recommended place to work. We provide services across Warwickshire and beyond, ranging from our hospitals in Warwick, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Shipston‑on‑Stour to community services across the county. Our values are summed up in one sentence: “Trusted to provide safe, inclusive, effective and compassionate care”. Throughout the recruitment process you will be asked to think about how you demonstrate these values and how they impact on your work. Details Date posted: 18 November 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 2 Salary: £24,465 a year pro rata Contract: Fixed term Duration: 12 months Working pattern: Part‑time Reference number: 203‑CS1025‑A Job locations: Stratford Hospital, Arden Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6NX Job Description Meeting Nutritional Requirements Assist patients to order food that meets their dietary requirements and work with ISS catering staff accordingly. Check that the patient kitchen is stocked with dietary supplements as prescribed by a dietician. Ensure dietary supplements are in date and that stock is correctly rotated. Receive the meal trolley and take charge of the meal service during breakfast and lunchtime. Ensure that all patients receive their meals in a timely manner and resolve any discrepancies with nursing staff and the main kitchen. Oversee the distribution of the meal service so that the Red Tray scheme is adhered to and protected mealtimes are maintained. Inform nurses of any meals not eaten or reduced appetite and record this on the patient chart. Promote a pleasant eating environment—remove clutter from tables, ensure hand wipes are available. Work with the hostess to check the patient fridge temperature and record it accurately; label and store food as per Trust policy. Ensure adherence to the protected mealtime policy. Take responsibility for the staff fridge temperature checks, dispose of any out‑of‑date items, and clean regularly. Take responsibility for the daily drug fridge temperature checks and notify the nurse or pharmacy technician of out‑of‑date drugs. Maintaining the Environment Report maintenance/repair requirements for equipment via the intranet in a timely manner. Monitor response times for maintenance discrepancies. Ensure patient lockers and bedside tables are kept clean and tidy with ISS domestic and clinical staff. Maintain the cleanliness of all nursing equipment, including drip stands, pumps, dressing trolleys, computers on wheels and SEND/obs machines. Maintain the cleanliness of the ward workable area, including the nursing station; wipe down computers, workspaces and chairs. Work with the ward clerk and progress chaser to keep areas visibly clean and clutter‑free. Ensure a plentiful supply of Tristel daily and replenish every 24 hours in accordance with Trust policy and COSHH. Check and clean commodes in the sluice; stock sluice supplies and spillage kits; maintain cleaning records for audit purposes. Supervise patient movement with the cleaning team on floor cleaning days and advise on equipment handling. Ensure nursing equipment is correctly set up during cleaning for patient safety. Check infection prevention advisory boards daily with the nurse in charge. Check suction units at each bed space daily, report discrepancies, and ensure correct equipment is available. General Ensure personal privacy, dignity and confidentiality. File patients’ records in the absence of the Ward Aide. Respond to telephone calls courteously. Pass on information to others while maintaining confidentiality. Use resources cost‑effectively. Respond to patients’ concerns through communication with nursing staff. Respond to emergency protocols appropriately. Maintain effective working relationships. Promote effective communication with patients, colleagues, other health care staff and visitors to the Trust. Maintain a professional image at all times. Assist with ward logistics to ensure enough linens and PPE. Training and Education Role Recognise personal limitations and seek assistance for delegated tasks if not competent. Person Specification Essential Literacy and numeracy skills. 4 GCSEs or equivalent. Able to work as an effective team member. Able to adapt to a busy environment with frequent interruptions. Commitment to personal development. Ability to manage own workload under supervisory guidance. Aware of current NHS issues and priorities. Have an awareness of clinical waste management and health and safety. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Effective time‑management skills. Good organisational skills. Understanding of the NHS. Aware of patient and ward confidentiality. Aware of housekeeping in a health care setting. Desirable Basic food hygiene. IT skills. Previous experience of stock ordering. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Employer details South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation TrustStratford HospitalArden StreetStratford upon AvonCV37 6NXWebsite: https://www.swft.nhs.uk/ Legal statements Equal opportunities are fully embraced and we encourage all applicants to complete our short survey: https://forms.office.com/e/ahWY3eAGM2 #J-18808-Ljbffr