Clinical Housekeeper

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Infection control

·         Decontamination monitoring across all areas pertaining to non-ward equipment to ensure that is kept visibly clean during it’s use and prior to return to either the bed store or the equipment library

·         Logging all additional equipment in use on the wards from external areas i.e. bed store, equipment library

·         To ensure equipment to be returned for reprocessing is stored safely.

·         Environmental monitoring using tools at hand and liaising with Medirest on their weekly inspection

·         Monitoring ward equipment checks for visible identification of decontamination (commodes, suction, drip stands etc)

·         Delivering regular education to ward staff on the correct methods of decontamination

·         To ensure the department is safe and tidy at all times, e.g., remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc.

·         To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the Divisional Supervisor and Ward Manager or  Matron

·         To ensure specialist cleaning of surfaces and furnishings.

·         To identify patients with infection due to be discharge and over ensure areas are cleaned appropriately.

·         To ensure that all alcohol gel containers are kept filled

Catering

·         To ensure that light refreshments are available for patients if required, in accordance with National policy/standard

·         To provide eating assistance, e.g., assisting in meal delivery, placing food within reach, encouraging patients to eat, as guided by the nursing staff.

·         To assist nursing staff with hot/cold beverages including appropriate trolley/equipment.

·         To ensure a pleasant environment for patients is maintained where food and beverages are served/consumed.

·         To liaise with the nursing staff in notifying the catering department of discharged, transferred and newly admitted patients’ meal requirements.

·         To co-ordinate extra meal requirements that may arise.

·         Monitoring of catering standards.

Maintaining the Environment

·        As part of the ward team the housekeeper will ensure the continual provision of the highest possible standards of service.

·        Participate in the audit and use of environmental checklists as requested.

·        Report environmental repairs and follow up outstanding work as necessary.

·        To inform Line Managers of outcomes of monitoring and agree action plans ensuring action is taken.

·        Ensure requests through the Housekeeping Monitoring Form are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.

·        To monitor and co-ordinate other ad hoc maintenance, liaising with the support service helpdesk as required for other services.

·        If required, transport clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per policy to the disposal area (Dirty Utility).

·        To minimise the potential for adverse behaviour and security breaches.

Communication

·        Work with the Ward Manager  and ward receptionist in the monitoring and maintaining of the ward systems

·        To communicate varied and complicated information (verbally and in writing) in a way that is understood and gets the important facts across.

·        Ensure that Patient information/ literature is available.

·        To maintain and update paper based / electronic records and information as required.

·        To respond to requests for general information.

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

·        To use communication skills to manage any abusive or aggressive behaviour.

·        To receive complaints ensuring the relevant department are aware (PALS & Patient Services).

·        To be aware and implement any new policies and standards including Food Hygiene, Waste Categorisation, Infection Control, Cleaning etc.

Quality and Audit

·         To form part of a team undertaking quality audits including Hand Hygiene, as directed by the Ward Manager

·         To assist in the delivery of patient surveys in conjunction with the Patient & Public Involvement Manager.

·         To maintain the staff notice boards ensuring that the current performance and audit data is displayed

·         To actively support the process of risk management – ensure incidents are reported appropriately and helping identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff.

·         Take an active role in the Ward’s Clinical Governance Strategy, participating in audit, aiding with data collection

General

·        To ensure patients have adequate supplies to meet their basic needs, e.g. toiletries as required.

·        To ensure stock levels are maintained as directed by the Ward Manager.

·        To assist people with accessing and interpreting written information, e.g., cards and letters.

·        To communicate effectively with people.

·        To respond to health emergencies as appropriate.

·        To act appropriately on all information, problem solving and finding solutions wherever possible.

·        Use initiative to work independently.

·        To maintain strict confidentiality of patient records at all times in line with the hospital code of practice.

·        To observe the rules, policies and procedures of Kings College Hospital.

·        The post-holder must act in such a way as to promote a positive image of Kings College Hospital at all times.

·        To undertake any other duties as compatible with the grade.