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Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

About

The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) is one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in the UK, with a national and international reputation for the excellence of its services and its role in teaching and research.

Find out more about the Trust on their web-site at www.ouh.nhs.uk

Watch how OUH goes about delivering compassionate excellence on the ouhnhs YouTube channel

Contact

Address: Oxford Univ Hosps NHS Foundation Trust; OUHC HR Department,; 3rd Floor Unipart House Business Centre; Garsington Road; Oxford; Oxfordshire; OX4 2PG
Contact Number: 01865 741186

Find out more

Jobs Website

Open

Ref: 321-NOTSS-7601513-B3-A Vacancy ID: 8256778

Ward Housekeeper

Accepting applications until: 09-Sep-2026 23:59

Vacancy status: Open

Accepting applications until: 09-Sep-2026 23:59

Location

Site: Bone Infection Unit - Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Address: Windmill Road
Town: Oxford
Postcode: OX3 7HE
Major / Minor Region: Oxfordshire

Contract type & working pattern

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (06:30-14:30 Monday to Friday)

Salary

Salary: £25,760 - £27,476 Per annum, Pro Rata
Salary period: Yearly
Grade: (NHS AfC: Band 3)

Specialty

Main area: Trauma & Orthopaedic

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Many of our recruitment programmes use Value Based Interviewing to identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Patient Responsibilities:
To liaise with the cleaning contractor/in-house housekeeping services/Monitoring Officers to ensure that cleaning standards on the Wards meet the agreed specification and any unsatisfactory areas are rectified.
To work effectively with the cleaning and catering staff as well as their supervisors to ensure that standards and policies are met.
To liaise with the nursing and team regarding the patient’s day, ensuring that work is planned in the most appropriate way to provide a prioritised patient focused and seamless service.
To ensure, in conjunction with the ward co-ordinator, that patients are provided with appropriate beverages at regular intervals throughout the day.
To ensure that all patients have completed menu cards, giving assistance where necessary, and ensuring appropriate selections are made dependent on the patient’s dietary requirements. Ensure that the menus are returned to the catering department by the required time.
To ensure, in conjunction with the catering department that patient meals are served in a presentable and timely manner and that appropriate cutlery and condiments are supplied, as well as ensuring supplements are given to the patients/stored appropriately.
To ensure that all meal tables and eating areas are suitably prepared for meal times and to make sure they are wiped clean at the end of each meal.
To offer assistance to patients before and after meals to cleanse their hands.
To ensure patients have an appropriate supply of drinking water and a clean glass.
To physically ensure that patients can reach their food and assist patients as necessary e.g. removing lids and cutting up food where requied.
To maintain patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times.

Environmental Responsibilities:
To establish a programme for the planned changing of curtains in bays (of appropriate length to maintain dignity), side rooms and windows, ensuring that spares are available. Change curtains on an ad-hoc basis as required for infection control purposes.
To ensure that patient’s lockers, tables and chairs are clean and free of litter/clutter at all times.
To clean medical equipment as required in conjunction with nursing staff. Ensure that all patient equipment (e.g. hoist slings) are kept clean and in a usable condition.
To monitor the general ward environment, co-ordinate necessary repairs and maintain records of reported defects and remedial action taken. Following agreed training, change spent light bulbs in angle poised over bed lamps.
To ensure that following discharge of a patient, the bed area and locker is cleaned and the bed re-made in preparation for incoming patients e.g. soap and paper towels are replenished, and general tidying of all areas.
To take responsibility for the hygiene standards within the ward kitchen, and any fridges and microwaves are cleaned. To monitor fridge temperatures and take corrective action where necessary. Ensure any food in ward fridges is labelled, dated and disposed of if not correctly labelled/out of date.
To establish a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere and environment for patients, visitors and staff alike, including up to date posters, information and leaflets.
To ensure all waste disposal bins are kept in good condition and are cleaned to ensure no cross infection, are not rusty and have slow noiseless closing.

Sexual Safety Charter: In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles

Oxford University Hospitals promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.

Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK

COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.

Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.

Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.

To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.

When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job's requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.

No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Person specification

Essential

Essential criteria

Good Communication Skills
Experience in a customer service role
Education to GCSE Level

Desirable criteria

Experience in an NHS ward environment

Documents

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Helen Eustace
Job title: Admin Manager
Email address: [email protected]
Telephone number: 01865 737663
Additional information: Please call or email to arrange a visit or for more information.