Detailed job description and main responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The Ward Housekeeper will be required to undertake a range of duties associated with the upkeep of the units environment and maintain the highest standard of cleanliness. To work as part of a team and in conjunction with the Domestic(s). As part of the unit team the Housekeeper will enhance the delivery of patient care by nursing staff and carers. The Housekeeper may at anytime be requested to assist in other areas as Service requires.

PROFESSIONAL

All members of hospital staff are required to maintain the confidentiality of Trust and patient information and use such information only as authorised for specific purposes. Report any concerns about the use of such information to your Ward Manager. All staff adhere to The Christie NHS FoundatonTrust Uniform Policy, furthermore to portray the professional image of the trust. The House Keeper’s duties must always be carried out in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

EDUCATION

Training will be given to enable the Housekeeper to undertake all duties.

INFECTION CONTROL

The trust holds a policy that all non clinical staff has to attend infection control mandatory training. All staff are encouraged to attend any other infection control educational sessions i.e. hand washing, food hygiene.

CLEANING DUTIES

· To undertake cleaning duties in accordance with the schedules and procedures of the ward.

· Undertake weekly cleaning of ward/unit equipment/environment as per disinfection/cleaning policy.

· To monitor standard of cleanliness on the ward/Unit daily, liaising with Domestic service and Ward/Unit Manager.

ENVIRONMENT

· To assist with patient meals and beverages as required in accordance with the trust hygiene and food handling policy. To ensure that patients are provided with water during their stay ( Please liaise with Ward Coordinator to ensure dietary requirement are followed e.g. Nil by mouth)

· Offer refreshments to patients at regular times

· Assist with mealtimes – maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the kitchen, maintain stock levels of the kitchen, prepare and distribute meal trays. Clear meal trays and restock trolleys.

· Check waiting area pre and post clinic ensuring clean and tidy

· Clean waiting area chairs as per Housekeeper Duties

· Check and record fridge temperatures daily.

· To ensure kitchen is kept clean at all times and ensure good stock rotation system is in operation for dry goods and provisions. To receive and check stores and other supplies

· To ensure the nurses office is kept tidy free from clutter and printer is clear.

· To assist and direct patients/visitors where and when appropriate.

· To assist with the movement and escort of patients under the direction of the nurse in charge.

· To answer telephone greeting caller with: location, name and title.

· To ensure that emails are read on a regular basis and auctioned as required.

· To check and maintain adequate levels of linen. To assist staff in keeping the patient bed area clean and tidy. To remove and dispose of linen as per trust policy to collection points

· To ensure barrier and vacated rooms are cleaned according to policy.

· Ensure hand-washing equipment soap, paper towels, alcohol hand gel are available at all in designated areas

· To ensure that all medical devices are cleaned and problems reported

· To observe and maintain a high standard of fixture and fittings. To escalate any problems or concerns and complete relevant documentation

· To have an overall awareness of the ward/Unit environment, including general safety aspects e.g. Patient call bell, fire exits, alarm bells, etc.

· The Housekeeper’s duties must always be carried out in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

· The Housekeeper is responsible for taking reasonable care with regard to him/her, as well as for any colleagues, patients or visitors who might be affected by any act or failure to act by the Housekeeper in accordance with the Trust’s policies on Health and Safety at Work.

· These duties and responsibilities are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and management reserves the right to require staff to undertake other duties and responsibilities consistent with the grade of the post.