Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Cleaning

To assist the Senior Sister in maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.

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

To carry out cleaning of general and specialist equipment, e.g. drip stands, incubators, commodes, toilets, bed pans and raised toilet seats as per cleaning policy.

To assist in keeping the ward safe and tidy at all times, e.g. remove clutter, room cleans.

To maintain upkeep of patients’ bed areas.

To assist in specialist cleaning of surfaces and furnishings.

To carry out cleaning in isolation nursing areas.

To assist in maintaining a log of medical equipment and cleaning monitors.

Catering

To encourage and assist patients to order food, where necessary taking into account special needs and medical requirements as directed by ward staff.

To ensure people have any assistance they require to eat and drink and to monitor food intake in conjunction with the ward nurse.

To prepare and serve hot/cold snacks (e.g. breakfast) as requested – offering a 24 hour snack service.

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

To provide eating assistance, e.g. cutting up food, placing food within reach/ feed patients and providing friendly encouragement to patients with regards to eating.

To prepare hot/cold beverages including appropriate trolley/equipment regularly at scheduled times.

To ensure all regenerated meals and beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations and Trust operational policy.

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

To wash all equipment/utensils used in preparation, regeneration, serving and consuming food and beverages at breakfast and on beverage rounds.

To check that the ward kitchen is clean and tidy at all times, e.g. discarding out-of-date food and stock rotation beyond the daily clean by the patient support team (PST).

To ensure refrigerated food is labelled and stored correctly in accordance with Trust operational 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.

Maintaining the Environment

To assist in the monitoring and audit of service delivery, especially related to cleaning, food, linen and the environment, at the agreed frequency, and to inform the ward sister of the outcomes.

To assist in completing the ward’s defect call log book, ensuring all defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.

To assist in coordinating other ad hoc maintenance, liaising with the support service helpdesk as required for other services.

To assist the Senior Sister in carrying out regular equipment monitoring as necessary in accordance with procedures.

To transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per the policy, e.g. taking waste to the ward disposal area in conjunction with the PST.

To participate with ward staff in monitoring the access and security and use of premises and facilities.

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

To assist patients in maintaining the safety of their own property and belongings.

To liaise with the Senior Sister concerns relating to the potential for adverse behaviour and security breaches.

To use communication skills to help manage and prevent any aggressive and abusive behaviour, and escalate this to a senior member of staff as necessary.

To ensure the safe storage of equipment.

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

General

To transport or collect equipment, consumables and written information as required.

To assist in maintaining and updating 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 understand the Trust’s Complaints Procedure and act in accordance with this procedure.

To assist with training of staff involved with ward housekeeping services explaining the required standards.

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