Job responsibilities
Post Title Housekeeping Assistant
Pay Band 2
Location Alexandra Hospital Redditch
Accountable to Facilities
Manager
Reports to Housekeeping 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 as required
Undertake the safe removal of body fluid
spillages in public and communal areas in line with IPCT guidelines
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.
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
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 cover.
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. 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.
