Patient Catering Assistant - Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Job summary

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.