Job responsibilities
Housekeeping Assistant
Pay Band: 2
Location / Department: Alexandra Hospital Redditch
Accountable to: Facilities Manager
Reports to: Housekeeping Services Supervisor
Key Working Relationships:
Ward and Departmental staff; patients and visitors.
Job Purpose:
To assist in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for patients, staff and visitors. To carry out general cleaning duties in all areas of the hospital and to apply specialist-cleaning methods using appropriate materials and equipment where necessary.
Key Duties:
Clean allocated work area to the agreed standards and frequencies as detailed in work schedules
Carry our specialised cleaning tasks; including isolation rooms, theatres etc. to agreed standards.
To decontaminate rooms as requested using specialist Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour equipment in line with IPCT guidelines. This will include recording information so that an accurate record of processes is maintained.
Have the ability to follow instructions and to suggest changes in working practices
Use a two way radio system
To act as a mentor for newly appointed staff, providing on job training and instruction
Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances e.g. vulnerable/aggressive patients
Wear the correct PPE at all times and in line with IPCT guidelines
To clean using the correct method, equipment and materials.
Remove waste from work area and place at collection points in line with departmental procedures
To undertake the cleaning of all surfaces including edges, ledges, fixtures and fittings.
To undertake the cleaning of all hard and soft floors using the correct method and equipment.
To clean sanitary areas using the correct method and equipment.
To carry out high and low level cleaning using the correct method and equipment.
To replenish supplies of paper hand towels, toilet rolls, soap, hand sanitizer and hand conditioner.
Collect patient water jugs and glasses, refill and redistribute.
Reheat patient meals using microwave system and in line with agreed procedures ( KTC only)
Dispose of used patient locker bags and replace with a clean bag.
Collect trays, crockery and beverage cups after meals and beverage service.
Carry out specialised cleaning as specified by the housekeeping supervisor.
Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner and hazard warning signs are displayed.
Adhere to the departmental colour coding policy.
Comply with the Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
Use mechanical equipment as required.
Report defective equipment to the housekeeping supervisor.
Clean equipment after use
Strip and reseal floors.
Use all cleaning chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner.
Working at heights as required
Cleaning of ventilation grilles and light fittings.
Removal and cleaning of radiator covers.
Vision and Values:
The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this commitment.
To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated healthcare for local people
Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours:
Do what we say we will do
No Delays, every day
We listen, we learn, we lead
Work together, celebrate together
Standard Clauses:
The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of service needs.
Competence
The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor.
Codes of conduct
All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct.
Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business.
Records Management
All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records that they gather, create or use as part of their work within the Trust (including patient, financial, personnel and administrative), whether paper or computer based. All such records are considered public records and all employees have a legal duty of confidence to service users. Employees should consult their manager if they have any doubt as to the correct management of records with which they work.
Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.
Infection Control
Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control.
Non Smoking Policy
The Trusts approach to smoking is in line with the governments on-going initiatives for an eventual smoke-free environment. It aims to adhere to the Worcestershire Health Community Campaign to help Worcestershire stop smoking.
A no smoking environment policy exists within all Trust premises including entrances and exits to hospital buildings and on other Trust property (with the exception of staff resident in staff residences, as these are the homes of staff). In June 2014 a ban was implanted which meant staff, contractors and volunteers were no longer permitted to smoke in any of the hospital grounds, including car parks.
Further to this, The Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals, have all become smoke free to all patients and visitors as of 17 June 2015. This means that, as well as staff, members of the public, patients and visitors are not allowed to smoke in any of the acute hospital grounds, including car parks.
Risk Management
It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all employees of the Trust that they fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting all incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly. It is a contractual obligation that all employees must co-operate with any investigations undertaken.
Children and vulnerable adults
You have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children / young people / vulnerable adults that you come into contact with or are responsible for in your job role and sphere of competence.
Disclosure and Barring Service
The Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only when the conviction is relevant. As the Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. Postholders may periodically be asked to undertake a re-check.
The Trust is legally required to check all staff against the Disclosures and Barring Services Childrens and Vulnerable Adults barring lists if they engage in what is defined as Regulated Activity or Controlled Activity: Regulated Activity is defined as working closely with children or vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid, on a frequent or intensive basis. Controlled activity is work that provides opportunities for contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust promotes policies and practices that challenge discrimination, promote equality, respect individual needs, preferences and choices, and protects human rights. The Trust has a clear commitment to equality for all in employment practices based on an applicants ability, skills and aptitude for the post. A range of equality & diversity policy initiatives are in place and all successful applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with these. It is therefore the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and spirit of these policies and the law at all times. Any issues or concerns you have should be taken up with your manager or the human resource team as soon as possible.
Dignity
All employees must treat each person as an individual, offering a personalised service respecting peoples dignity and modesty at all times.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients and its care meet the highest standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trusts Standing Orders require any member of staff to declare any interest, direct or indirect, with contracts involving the Trust. Staffs are not allowed to further their private interests in the course of their NHS duties.
