Housekeeping and Laundry Assistant

**Job Summary**

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team staff provide a wide and varied range of Housekeeping/laundry services which support Clinical Services throughout Ayrshire Hospice in line with NHS Scotland National Cleaning Services Specification to fulfil Healthcare Improvement Scotland Standards which maintain a clean, safe working environment.

The housekeeper/laundry assistant work as part of the multidisciplinary team carrying out a high-quality person centred and safe linen service and contributing to the operation and cleanliness of the organisation. The laundry service is provided as part of the wider housekeeping service function.

**Main Responsibilities**

**Housekeeping**:

- To carry out all housekeeping duties to a high standard of cleanliness to include:

- Ensure sufficient, high quality housekeeping services are provided within designated time-scales to meet required Standards of Cleanliness
- Compliance with agreed Infection Control Guidelines for Housekeeping Staff to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- To be responsible for the safe and economical use of equipment and materials, reporting all deficiencies to the Housekeeping Manager.
- Follow all guidance and training on safe working practices to ensure personal health and safety and that of others, exercising a duty of care.
- To undertake Mandatory Training including Infection Control and the correct use of equipment and materials.
- Support the induction of new team members by promoting good practice and adhering to safe systems of work.
- Actively promote the importance of good housekeeping practices amongst all patients, staff and visitors.
- Dedicated approach to cleaning and any other duties, including with pre-agreed schedules and frequencies to demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm.
- Routine and terminal cleaning of areas contaminated by infection as per Infection Control Policy
- Ensure personal appearance, behaviour and cleanliness is exemplary at all times in order to promote high standards and confidence in the services.
- Flexible approach and understanding of circumstances which may occur requiring change in routine thus demonstrating co-operation and ensuring continuity of the service.
- Check curtains/screens for necessary washing or repair, change and re-hang as necessary.
- Safe use and storage of equipment and supplies.
- Disposal of waste in accordance with Organisational Waste Management Policy.
- Report all pest infestation, faults/malfunctioning equipment and repairs required within housekeeping or public areas to the Estates team or Catering & Housekeeping Manager.

**Laundry**:

- The post holder must be flexible and adaptable to fulfil the following tasks:

- Laundering of all linen, maintaining a high standard processed through the use of industrial washing machines and dryers, including soiled and infected linen.
- Laundering of patient’s personal clothing when required and returning laundered clothing to the patient.
- Recording information regarding items requiring mending and storing in designated place.
- Restocking of linen cupboard/patient’s rooms.
- To be responsible for the safe and economical use of equipment and materials, reporting all deficiencies to the Catering & Housekeeping Manager.
- Follow all guidance and training on safe working practices to ensure personal health and safety and that of others, exercising a duty of care.
- To undertake Mandatory Training including Infection Control and the correct use of equipment and materials.

**Person Specification**

**Requirement: Essential/Desirable, Assessment (Application/Interview)**

**Education / Qualifications**
- **Basic Education & Literacy**: Essential (A)

**Knowledge/Experience**
- **Previous Experience of Housekeeping/Laundry Duties**: Essential (A/I)
- **Experience within a Healthcare Setting**: Desirable (A/I)
- **Awareness of COSHH and Health & Safety Regulations**: Desirable (A/I)
- **Awareness of Infection Control Regulations**: Essential (A/I)

**Ability/Skills**
- **Attention to Detail**: Essential (I)
- **Ability to Follow Instruction**: Essential (I)
- **Time Management Skills**: Essential (I)
- **Ability to Adapt and Work Effectively as Part of a Team**: Essential (I)

**Personal Qualities**
- **Motivated**: Essential (I)
- **Positive Attitude to Work**: Essential (I)
- **Trustworthy**: Essential (I)
- **Honest**: Essential (I)