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The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Facilities Support Staff

The closing date is 01 January 2026

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Job summary

This is a flexible support role within the Facilities team, designed to provide adaptable staffing in key operational areas. Postholders will work as part of a centralised Facilities Pool and may be deployed to support housekeeping, domestic services, or portering, depending on service pressures. This model strengthens resilience and ensures critical cover across all key areas.

Main duties of the job

General Duties (all areas): ? Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures, and service standards (e.g. National Cleaning Standards 2021, Manual Handling, Infection Prevention & Control, Food Safety). ? Wear uniform and ID badge at all times and represent the department in a professional, courteous manner. ? Attend mandatory training and participate in team huddles, appraisals, and audits. ? Adapt to new areas or duties at short notice in response to operational needs. ? Full training will be provided across all relevant duties.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,768 to £25,768 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

000252

Job locations

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Housekeeping Duties (Ward-Based Catering Support):

Serve meals and beverages to patients in line with scheduled breakfast, lunch, supper, and hot drink rounds. Collect meal orders and ensure patients receive the correct meals, including specialist dietary requirements. Liaise with ward staff and Mealtime Champions to promote patient dignity, support nutrition, and maintain mealtime standards. Check food trolley temperatures and report any issues with food quality or service to the supervisor. Ensure the ward kitchen areas are kept clean and tidy in accordance with infection control and food hygiene standards. Monitor stock levels of ward kitchen supplies and report replenishment needs.

Domestic Duties (Cleaning & Hygiene):

Carry out scheduled and ad hoc cleaning tasks in clinical and non-clinical areas using approved materials and methods. Maintain cleanliness in line with the National Cleaning Standards 2021, completing all required documentation or Synbiotix audit entries. Ensure all cleaning equipment is cleaned, stored, and maintained appropriately. Replenish consumables such as hand soap, sanitiser, toilet tissue, paper towels, and waste bags. Handle waste in line with infection prevention protocols and ensure safe removal to collection points. Report any environmental or cleanliness concerns to the supervisor.

Portering & Waste Duties:

Transport patients, specimens, notes, equipment, and meals safely between departments, following infection control and manual handling protocols. Respond to jobs via our portering system, Alertive, or radio calls and log all tasks in line with department processes. Assist during emergency situations (e.g. cardiac arrests, fire calls) as part of the Trust’s response team when trained. Undertake scheduled waste removal, including general, clinical, confidential, and recyclable waste streams, ensuring correct segregation and PPE use. Deliver waste to appropriate holding or collection points, following the Trust’s Waste Management Policy

Job description

Job responsibilities

Housekeeping Duties (Ward-Based Catering Support):

Serve meals and beverages to patients in line with scheduled breakfast, lunch, supper, and hot drink rounds. Collect meal orders and ensure patients receive the correct meals, including specialist dietary requirements. Liaise with ward staff and Mealtime Champions to promote patient dignity, support nutrition, and maintain mealtime standards. Check food trolley temperatures and report any issues with food quality or service to the supervisor. Ensure the ward kitchen areas are kept clean and tidy in accordance with infection control and food hygiene standards. Monitor stock levels of ward kitchen supplies and report replenishment needs.

Domestic Duties (Cleaning & Hygiene):

Carry out scheduled and ad hoc cleaning tasks in clinical and non-clinical areas using approved materials and methods. Maintain cleanliness in line with the National Cleaning Standards 2021, completing all required documentation or Synbiotix audit entries. Ensure all cleaning equipment is cleaned, stored, and maintained appropriately. Replenish consumables such as hand soap, sanitiser, toilet tissue, paper towels, and waste bags. Handle waste in line with infection prevention protocols and ensure safe removal to collection points. Report any environmental or cleanliness concerns to the supervisor.

Portering & Waste Duties:

Transport patients, specimens, notes, equipment, and meals safely between departments, following infection control and manual handling protocols. Respond to jobs via our portering system, Alertive, or radio calls and log all tasks in line with department processes. Assist during emergency situations (e.g. cardiac arrests, fire calls) as part of the Trust’s response team when trained. Undertake scheduled waste removal, including general, clinical, confidential, and recyclable waste streams, ensuring correct segregation and PPE use. Deliver waste to appropriate holding or collection points, following the Trust’s Waste Management Policy

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics (or demonstrable literacy &
  • numeracy skills)

Desirable

  • Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
  • NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning, Portering, or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in cleaning, housekeeping, or portering roles
  • Experience in a healthcare environment (e.g. hospital or nursing home)
  • Experience serving meals or supporting food service in a care setting

Desirable

  • Knowledge of stock control and ward kitchen procedures
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics (or demonstrable literacy &
  • numeracy skills)

Desirable

  • Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
  • NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning, Portering, or equivalent

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of working in cleaning, housekeeping, or portering roles
  • Experience in a healthcare environment (e.g. hospital or nursing home)
  • Experience serving meals or supporting food service in a care setting

Desirable

  • Knowledge of stock control and ward kitchen procedures

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Facilities Manager

Rachael Dowsett

rachael.dowsett@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

22 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,768 to £25,768 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

000252

Job locations

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX


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