Job summary
Mary Moore is a cute surgical ward within the division of surgery, and we are looking to recruit a full-time housekeeper to become a member of our dynamic and welcoming team.
Housekeepers are part of the ward team. You will work under the supervision and direction of the senior ward staff and manager. Working closely with the domestic staff, catering and linen services as well as nursing staff and clinical support staff. As a Housekeeper, you will work in a supportive role, assisting the clinical nursing team to ensure the department runs smoothly. You will need to be flexible, adaptable, and have strong organisational skills. Excellent communication skills are important as you will be liaising with teams throughout the hospital whilst working closely with the nursing team.
The core responsibility is maintaining cleanliness and organisation of the ward area, which may include cleaning, tidying, and making sure the ward is organised. Maintaining infection control standards, escalating concerns to estates where appropriate.
Housekeepers help make sure the ward is a clean, safe, and attractive place for patients and staff.
Main duties of the job
The housekeeper duties are listed fully in the attached job description. However, some of the main duties include overseeing the stock of all stores within the ward, including online internal ordering. Becoming familiar with our stock requirements and the fluctuating stock demands. Supporting staff in meeting the nutritional needs of our patients. Ensuring high standards of cleanliness and tidiness are maintained within both the clinical and non-clinical areas. Supporting the team with non-clinical tasks and some clerical duties. Liaising with other teams within the trust such as estates and the kitchens regarding repairs or procurement of equipment. Excellent communication skills to ensure the needs of the role are met, within the team, as well as with the wider range of teams who support the role.
About us
St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Job responsibilities
* Stocks and supplies
* Maintain top-up system by putting away stock as soon as it is delivered to the correct place
* Manage Laburnum Store Room and ensure it is neat and tidy
* Order stock that is running low and keep track of stock daily
* Liaise with top-up technician and check on stock levels of all top-up items.
* Arrange emergency deliveries with ward managers agreement to avoid shortage of stock.
* Liaise with STERIS representative for the collection and delivery of sterile equipment.
* Train selected Maternity Support Worker to ensure cross cover for annual leave
* Keep store rooms clean and tidy, carry out regular stock control
* Ward Hygiene: oversee and check the cleanliness of the ward area. Inform the ward sister of any problems.
* Liaise with the designated domestic.
* Assist with beds, ward tidying when necessary.
* Cleaning of equipment after use, as per Trust cleaning policy and auditing this
* Indirect patient care: act as a runner for the ward to collect or deliver goods to other departments where a porter is not available or an item is needed urgently.
* Assist in helping and directing visitors.
* To courteously and effectively receive all ward attendees and telephone enquiries.
* To maintain effective communications at all times
* Carry out reasonable requests made by the ward sister/matron.
* Clerical Responsibilities: assist with all clerical and administrative duties as required.
* Organise and maintain patients' property that is stored on the ward or that is left behind
* Inform the ward sister and arrange for property to be collected or posted as necessary.
* To participate in departmental meetings.
* Cover for Ward Clerk when required and greet visitors to the ward
* To participate in the appraisal of own performance, identifying training and development needs.
* Maintain clear and accurate records.
* Linen: maintain supply of linen and ensure that the ward has adequate levels. Liaise with the linen services department, with the agreement of the ward sister.
* Keep linen cupboard neat and tidy to allow efficient top-up.
* Repair: inform maintenance of any repair works that are needed to be carried out on the ward, with the knowledge of the ward sister, using the correct escalation process.
* Keep a record of any requisitions, job completion and outcome, liaising with the ward co-ordinator.
* Carry out monthly checks of all beds and mattresses. Record and report to the ward sister if any problems.
* Policies: to have responsibility for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirement of the Health and Safety Regulations.
* To ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act and its amendments.
* To work in accordance with the Trust's Equal Opportunities policy to eliminate unlawful discrimination in relation to employment and service delivery.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
* Literacy and numeracy skills (Essential)
* Studying for N.V.Q. level 2 or 3 (Desirable)
Experience
* Ability to work well with all members of the multidisciplinary team and the public (Essential)
* Previous healthcare setting experience (Desirable)
Skills
* Good communication and computer skills (Essential)
* Ability to use own initiative (Essential)
* Customer care skills (Essential)
* Organisational skills (Essential)
* IT skills (Essential)
* Previous housekeeping experience (Desirable)
* Health & Safety awareness (Desirable)
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 details
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
St Helier Hospital
Wrythe Lane
Carshalton
SM5 1AA
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