Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Ward Catering Assistant to join our Team. Hours Available: 1 x 30 hours over 3 days; 2 x 20 hours over 2 days. The ideal candidate will have a can-do attitude, be flexible, and a team player with experience in a busy kitchen environment. The role involves supporting patients with nutrition and hydration and delivering a 5-star patient experience.
As a Ward Catering Assistant, you will assist ward teams to improve patients’ experience while delivering inpatient meal service to maintain standards for nutrition and hydration, reduce food waste, and maximise efficiency. You will provide a professional patient-focused meal service ensuring hygiene and patient safety standards are maintained. The Trust is committed to excellent patient care and providing optimal levels of nutrition and hydration during the care episode.
Responsibilities
* Support front-line delivery of inpatient meal service to maintain nutrition and hydration standards.
* Provide a professional, patient-focused meal service with high hygiene and safety standards.
* Cover annual leave and absences as required to maintain a high standard of service.
* Reduce food waste and maximise efficiency in ward catering operations.
* Assist with dietary requirements and appropriate food provision for patients at all meal services.
* Support ward teams to improve the patient experience during hospital stays.
Qualifications and Experience
* Experience working in a busy kitchen environment or similar setting (kitchen/coffee shop/restaurant).
* Good customer care skills.
* Food Safety Level 2 certificate would be an advantage.
About the Trust
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 10,500 across 21 sites. We are committed to Five Star Patient Care.
Our Services
* Acute Care: Emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, with medical and surgical specialties across sites.
* Primary Care: Marshalls Cross Medical Centre at St Helens Hospital.
* Community Services: Adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire; inpatient rehabilitation at Newton Community Hospital; urgent care at the Urgent Treatment Centre in St Helens town centre.
* Specialist Regional Services: Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit and Spinal Injuries Unit serving a wide region.
Achievements
* Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018.
* Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal).
* National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme.
* Maintain all operational procedures and compliance with Waste Management Policy.
* Compliance with Hygiene and Food Safety Legislation, HACCP, and Facilities Management standards.
* Ensure safe use of equipment and adherence to risk management practices.
* Hygiene monitoring and national standards of cleanliness.
Training and Leadership
* Attend training courses and annual refresher sessions as part of Personal Development Review.
* Provide guidance and a knowledge base for new and existing staff.
Financial and Operational Responsibilities
* Ensure economical use of resources and maintain stock levels to meet service demands.
* Maintain and monitor stock and distribute chemicals and products efficiently.
* Monitor and record food wastage and ensure compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
This advert closes on Sunday 14 Sep 2025.
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