Ward Hostess

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

1. Meal Preparation and Distribution:

Prepare and distribute all patient meals and beverages following dietary requirements.

Coordinate with nursing staff to understand patient-specific dietary needs, such as allergens, texture-modified meals, or cultural preferences.

Ensure food presentation is appealing and portions are correctly allocated as per guidelines.

2. Hygiene and Infection Control:

Follow strict infection control protocols, including proper use of PPE during meal services.

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, and serving areas.

Ensure daily temperature checks for food items and storage areas, accurately documenting findings.

3. Communication and Co-ordination:

Act as a liaison between patients, nursing staff, and catering teams to communicate meal-related information.

Engage with patients politely to accommodate their meal choices while adhering to dietary restrictions.

Report any concerns regarding patient nutrition or meal consumption to clinical staff.

4. Equipment and Maintenance Duties:

Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment such as regeneration trolleys, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly checks on equipment functionality, reporting faults immediately.

Ensure all cleaning and maintenance tasks are documented and logged.

5. Patient-Centred Service:

Provide compassionate and attentive meal services, prioritising patient comfort and satisfaction.

Regularly check with patients about their meal experience to address any issues promptly.

Support patients with feeding where appropriate, as per training and patient consent.

6. Administrative and Compliance Tasks:

Complete daily documentation for food safety, cleaning schedules, and temperature records.

Stay updated with Trust policies on food safety, infection prevention, and safeguarding.

Attend regular training sessions to maintain compliance with NHS standards and regulations.

7. Health and Safety Responsibilities:

Identify and report potential hazards, including faulty equipment or food safety concerns.

Ensure personal adherence to Trust's health and safety policies.

Participate in Trust-led safety drills and inspections.

8. Team Collaboration:

Work closely with housekeeping, nursing staff, and catering teams to provide seamless meal service.

Contribute to team meetings, sharing insights for service improvements.

Support new staff by demonstrating proper protocols and providing on-the-job guidance.

9. Patient Engagement and Satisfaction:

Develop positive rapport with patients to make mealtimes pleasant.

Communicate meal options clearly and assist patients in making informed choices.

Respond promptly to patient feedback regarding food service, escalating concerns when necessary.

10. Continuous Improvement:

Participate in audits and service reviews to identify potential improvements.

Stay informed about new meal service methods, equipment, and patient care practices.

Engage in training sessions that promote best practices and innovative approaches in patient feeding.

Conduct pre-shift checks to ensure all equipment and supplies are ready.

Assist with stock management, including receiving and storing food deliveries.

Maintain professional appearance in line with Trust's uniform policy.

Uphold the Trust's values by delivering services with respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.

Person Specification

Job Specification

Essential

• NHS Experience
• Literate

Desirable

• Level 1 Food Safety Course
• Level 1 Food Allergens Course

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Medway Maritime Hospital

Windmill Road

Gillingham, Kent

ME7 5NY

Employer's website

https://www.medway.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)