Job summary
The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust requires a Cook to join a dedicated Catering Team based at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds
The Catering Department opens 365 days a year therefore we are looking for individuals who can work the following hours. The hours available per week are 37.5 hours (full time), shifts will be worked on a roster with 7.5 hour days between the hours of 6.30am and 7pm weekdays and may include alternate weekends - This will be discussed at interview.
Duties will include cooking to set recipes, serving patient meals, washing up and cleaning equipment in the busy Catering Department. Serving Staff and Visitors in our Staff dining room.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate good customer care and communication skills, with the ability to work alone and as part of a team, whilst maintaining a high level of attention to detail and food hygiene. The ability to remain calm under pressure is vital in this busy working environment.
A good knowledge of hygiene principles and literacy/numeracy skills will be essential for this role along with the required chef qualifications.
Main duties of the job
o To work as part of a team providing a safe, high quality catering service for the Trust.
o To maintain hygiene standards.
o To prepare and serve high quality nutritious food in accordance with the departments standard recipes, using fresh ingredients
o To be able to maintain prolonged concentration when preparing and cooking serval different dishes in a busy and pressured environment.
o To have a good understanding and apply this during the working practices with specific regard to HACCP and COSSH and follow the departments Food hygiene practices.
o To have knowledge and apply this during the working practices with specific regard to of IDDSI and follow this patient safety guidance.
o To offer guidance to ward staff in the absence of dietetic support (out of hours) with specific regard to allergen, consistency and dietary requirements for patient within the Trust.
o To be aware of Trust policies and procedures applicable to the service and report any issues the line manager.
o To assist and guide the Food service supervisors in the absence of senior food production staff on issues related to dietary and IDDSI consistency.
About us
#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
We are a busy, friendly, NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.
The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we work and behave as a team.
With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.
We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone's voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Details
Date posted
15 January 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
179-7703008-F
Job locations
West Suffolk Hospital
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
Employer details
Employer name
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address
West Suffolk Hospital
Hardwick Lane
Bury St Edmunds
IP33 2QZ
Employer's website
Employer contact details
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