Hospital Support Assistant - Zone 6

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder’s specific responsibilities are focused on maintaining high standards of cleanliness for the direct patient environment, clinical equipment and the provision of a quality food service in relation to the ward environment,. Duties include:

• Ensuring that National Patient Safety Agency Cleaning (NPSA) Cleaning Specifications and Publicly Available Specification (PAS) are adhered to by implementing ward cleaning schedules.
• Carrying out spot cleaning (eg floors, toilets) as required ensuring spillages etc are dealt with swiftly and efficiently, utilising the appropriate equipment and cleaning products for each specific task.
• Ensuring that all chemicals are used and stored correctly in accordance with Care of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures.
• Through efficient work procedures ensure minimum disruption within the work area.
• Service of beverages direct to patients, and the preparation and serving of meals including the collection of completed menu cards.
• Cleaning of the ward kitchen, crockery, cutlery, equipment to meet the requirements of Environmental Health, departmental policies and procedures and the operation of dishwashing machines.
• Ensuring a high standard of personal hygiene and practices are maintained in accordance with the Catering Hygiene Policy/Food Handling Policy, and safely using cleaning materials, applying the appropriate mix ratio in line with COSHH.
• Ensuring food and drink spillages are promptly cleared up and patient tables and trays are maintained in a clean and hygienic manner, utilising the appropriate equipment and cleaning products for each task.
• Ensuring the routine flushing of little used outlets (LUO) in Line with the Trust Management of legionella and associated policies
• Ensuring mandatory training is completed within the timeframes specified and to undertake role specific training where the individual does not hold the suitable qualifications for the role or where standards change in line with legislation.
• Demonstrating leadership qualities by guiding and providing support to new or less experienced staff in support of induction of new starters
• Assisting patients/clients during contact ie: whilst working in wards areas where barriers to communication may exist.
• To verbally feedback to their line manager or ward staff any patient comment, positive or negative
• To be responsible for reporting to the appropriate person when requisition or repair and maintenance of equipment is required
• To maintain work records such as fridge temperature checks, food temperature checks, cleaning and flushing of little used outlet records recording results in line with the departmental procedure.
• To participate in audits and surveys as necessary to own area of work recording faults and reporting them to the appropriate person.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a fair and supportive working environment and culture, where contributions are fully recognised and valued by all and staff feel empowered to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. As employers we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and well-being of all our staff. This underpins our values as set out in the NHS Constitution, supports us to be an Employer of Choice and ultimately enables our employees to support the effective care of our patients. 

We strongly value the different perspectives and ideas a diverse workforce brings to deliver better outcomes for our patients.  We welcome applications irrespective of people’s age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.