Job Advert
Bank Catering Assistant
Location: Oaks Hospital, Colchester
Hours: Flexible, Zero hour contract
Shift Patterns: Vary from Mornings to evenings from Monday – Sunday
Summary:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Bank Catering Assistant to join and be part of our Ward Pantry Team. You will be reporting into our Ward Pantry Team Lead and the Oaks Head Chef.
Oaks Hospital is part of Ramsay Health Care UK, one of the leading providers of NHS and private patient services in England. Oaks Hospital is a 58 bed facility including 18 ambulatory bays, 4 laminar flow Theatres and an Endoscopy Theatre.
The role:
As a Bank Catering Assistant you will be responsible for the service, preparation and delivery of all food and drink to the patients on the wards including managing dietary requirements. You will be part of a team of Catering Assistants who are fundamental in ensuring that all work is carried out in a hygienic and methodical manner and that standards of cleanliness throughout the hospital are in line with our policies. Additional tasks will consist of the washing of cutlery, replenishing our hot drinks machines and explaining the daily menus across all meals.
Key responsibilities will include:
1. Serve meals and beverages to patients in a timely, friendly, and professional manner.
2. Take patient menu orders accurately, ensuring dietary, cultural, and allergen requirements are always followed.
3. Support the kitchen team with food preparation, regeneration, plating, and service as required.
4. Assist with the set-up, operation, and close-down of the ward pantry.
5. Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in line with food safety regulations and hospital policies.
6. Ensure food is served safely, at the correct temperature, and in accordance with portion control and presentation standards.
7. Deliver excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and staff, responding to queries and requests courteously.
8. Work effectively as part of a wider catering and ward-based team to ensure smooth service delivery.
9. Comply with health and safety, food hygiene, infection prevention, and manual handling requirements.
10. Undertake cleaning duties including equipment, utensils, pantry areas, and waste disposal.
11. Report any concerns relating to food quality, safety, equipment, or patient feedback to the Ward Pantry Team Lead.
What you will bring with you:
12. Catering Assistant experience from healthcare or similar industry (desired not required)
13. A willingness to work positively with a team to achieve team goals and excellence in service delivery also ability to work on your own initiative.
14. Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate for Catering
15. Strong communication skills
16. Outstanding professional customer service and inter-personal skills
17. Friendly, outgoing personality
18. Attention to detail
19. Flexibility to meet service needs is essential
What is a Bank Contract:
A Bank contract at Ramsay Health Care UK is a flexible employment agreement where you are not committed to a set number of hours per week. Instead, you work on an ad-hoc basis, filling in shifts that we have available in our hospitals. A Bank contract is ideal for individuals seeking flexibility, as it allows you to choose shifts that fit your availability, leaving you with a greater work-life balance. Bank contracts are also a fantastic way to secure additional income alongside other contracted work. Our Bank staff play a crucial role in maintaining service levels during peak times or staff shortages, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted.
Benefits:
20. Bank Weekly Pay
21. Bank Enhancements
22. Contributory pension scheme
23. Excellent training and development opportunities
24. Free parking and subsidised staff restaurant (subject to site facilities)
25. Free uniform
26. Access to Blue Light Card