Catering Assistant – Newry
Location: Newry
Pay Rate: £12.51 – £22.90 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, with occasional weekends
Shift Times:
• 7:30am – 3:30pm
• 10:30pm – 6:30am
(Applicants must be able to work both shifts)
Start: Immediate
We are recruiting Catering Assistants to work within a busy hospital setting in Newry. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with strong customer service skills and a commitment to delivering high‑quality food and nutrition services to patients.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
1. Assist in the preparation and plating of meals for patients, staff and visitors.
2. Prepare simple food items such as sandwiches, salads, breakfasts and snacks.
3. Ensure all meals are prepared in line with dietary requirements, including allergies, soft diets, and nutritional guidelines.
4. Serve meals to patients on wards, ensuring correct portions and diet codes are followed.
5. Operate food service equipment safely and correctly (e.g., regeneration ovens, trolley warmers).
Ward & Patient Catering
6. Deliver and collect food trolleys from wards in a timely manner.
7. Distribute meals and beverages to patients, adhering to infection control standards.
8. Communicate clearly with nursing staff regarding patient diets or meal preferences.
Cleaning & Hygiene
9. Maintain high standards of cleanliness in kitchens, serveries and food preparation areas.
10. Wash dishes, utensils, equipment, and clean work areas following HACCP guidelines.
11. Ensure fridges, freezers and storage areas are clean, organised and temperature‑checked.
Health & Safety
12. Follow all food safety, hygiene and infection‑control procedures.
13. Ensure safe handling and storage of food in line with hospital policy.
14. Use PPE correctly during all tasks.
15. Report any hazards, equipment faults or incidents to supervisors promptly.
General Duties
16. Restock food, beverages, cutlery and consumables.
17. Assist with stock rotation and deliveries.
18. Support the catering team with any additional duties as required.
19. Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors and staff at all times.
Requirements
20. Ability to work both required shifts.
21. Good communication skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
22. High standards of cleanliness and attention to detail.
23. Previous catering or cleaning experience is desirable but not essential.
24. Willingness to complete all mandatory training including food hygiene and infection control.