University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Job title
Patient Catering Assistant - Royal Bournemouth Hospital
The closing date is 18 February 2026
University Hospitals Dorset is seeking a friendly, hardworking and reliable individual to join our Catering Team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality catering service across our busy restaurants, coffee bars and ward services.
You will play an important role in supporting patients, staff and visitors by helping to deliver an efficient, welcoming service while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety and customer care. The role contributes to the smooth and efficient running of the Catering Department and supports services that are essential to patient care.
We are looking to recruit two individuals on 36-hour contracts.
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: 5th March 2026
Main duties of the job
* Assist in the smooth running of the Catering Department by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout all catering areas
* Support basic food preparation and work on the patient meal production line
* Load and deliver food trolleys to wards in line with daily schedules and instructions from Catering Supervisors
* Serve food and beverages and provide a courteous, efficient service to customers where required
* Sort, stack and wash crockery and cutlery using dishwashing equipment in accordance with cleaning schedules
* Replenish stock and maintain service and work areas
* Work flexibly across different areas of the Catering Department, undertaking duties appropriate to the role
* Comply with corporate and local policies and procedures at all times
* Treat colleagues, patients and visitors with dignity and respect
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.
Job responsibilities
For detailed job description and main responsibilities please see the attachment with will have job description and persons specification.
Person Specification
Experience
* Basic understanding of customer service.
* Prior Experience in food handling
* Prior Work Experience within Catering Industry
Qualification
* Good standard of Education (GCSE's Grade D or above)
* Basic Food Hygiene
* H & Safety
* Aware of relevant trg upgrades E.G. Allergen info.
* Any previous Food related qualifications
Other
* Good standard of Numeracy and Literacy
* Good general understanding of food safety regulations
* Able to work as part of a team and mix with other members of staff
* Openness to change and ability to respond to this to improve performance
* Able to work on own initiative
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Stour Building, Catering Department
Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Stour Building, Catering Department
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