Ward Housekeeper

Are you looking for a new challenge?

We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals to join Ward 27, a general surgical 30 bedded ward. We are seeking individuals who are keen for a new challenge and will work flexibly and efficiently to support the seamless running of the ward. Within this work the role of the Housekeeper will be crucial and you will work closely with our supplies department.

The post holder will work as an integral part of the ward team and will be responsible for ensuring a clean, safe and comfortable environment. The main elements of the role are ensuring patients receive and are assisted in ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, the delivery of cleaning, catering and supplies.

You will need to possess good communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. A polite and courteous manner towards patients and relatives will be essential for this role, together with your ability to work under pressure as part of the team on a busy surgical ward, as well as organising your own workload.

The successful candidate must be caring, compassionate and possess a positive attitude to supporting colleagues in the delivery of high quality, safe, effective care for our patients.

The main elements of the role are ensuring patients receive and are assisted in ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, the delivery of cleaning, catering and supplies.

Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.

Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.

We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.

Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do – they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronym ICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.

We have a number of staff networks including the BAME network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our armed forces network is one of our emerging networks.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.

On a day-to-day basis the post-holder will be responsible to the Nurse in Charge of the shift.

To assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.

To carry out spot cleaning and ensure spillages are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

To ensure general and specialist equipment, e.g drip stands, medical equipment and commodes, are cleaned as per cleaning policy.

To ensure the ward is safe and tidy at all time, e.g remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc.

To maintain upkeep of patients' bed areas.

To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the ward sister.

To ensure specialist cleaning of surfaces and furnishing.

To ensure isolation nursing areas are cleaned appropriately.

To encourage and assist patients to order food, where necessary taking into account special needs and medical requirement.

To prepare and serve hot/cold snacks as requested.

To serve meals in conjunction with the nursing team, ensuring patients' intake is known and that their dietary needs are met.

To provide people with assistance to eat and drink eg cutting up food, placing food and drinks within reach, encouraging patients to eat.

To feed patients as directed by the nursing team.

To ensure all food and beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations.

To prepare areas where food and beverages are served/consumed to ensure a pleasant environment for patients.

To take responsibility for the ward catering supplies, ensuring storage areas are clean at all times, eg discarding out of date food, stock rotation.

To ensure refrigerated food is labelled and stored correctly as per policy.

To ensure in conjunction with the ward nurse that discharged and newly admitted patients' meal requirements are actioned.

To co-ordinate extra meal requirements that may arise.

To ensure that patients whose fluid intake is not medically restricted have access to fresh water.

To carry out monitoring of service delivery, especially related to cleaning, food, linen and the environment, at the agreed frequency.

To inform the ward sister of outcomes of monitoring and agree action plans, ensuring action is taken.

To manage the ward's defect call log book, ensuring all defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.

To monitor and co-ordinate other ad hoc maintenance, liaising as required for other services.

To provide household maintenance in line with local policy: replace light bulbs, clock batteries, unblock sinks, etc.

To carry out regular equipment monitoring in accordance with procedures.

To transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per the policy, eg taking waste to the ward disposal area.

To clean and prepare beds and handle linen.

To monitor the access and security and use of premises and facilities.

To ensure that patients' space is respected including attending to patients' fruit, flowers etc.

To respect the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out housekeeping duties.

To maintain the safety of people's property and belongings.

To minimise the potential for adverse behaviour and security breaches.

To use communication skills to manage any aggressive and abusive behaviour.

To ensure the safe storage of equipment.

To ensure equipment is in good working order and equipment repairs are carried out in line with Trust policy.

To receive, welcome and guide visitors on arrival to the ward, liaising with other staff as appropriate.

To transport equipment, consumables and written information as required.

To maintain and update paper-based records and information as required.

To respond to requests for general information.

To receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality.

To help resolve patients' concerns and take appropriate action.

To be aware of any new food hygiene standards changes to waste categorisation etc.