Job responsibilities
Post Title: Housekeeper
Pay Band: 2
Hours: 20 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term
Location / Department: Kidderminster Treatment centre, Housekeeping Department
Accountable to: Facilities Manager
Reports to: Housekeeping Senior 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 agree standards
To decontaminated 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 fluids 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
Always wear the correct PPE and in line with IPCT guidelines
To clean using the correct method, equipment and materials
Remove waste from work area and place at collection point in line with departmental procedures
To undertake the cleaning of all surface 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 conditioner
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 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 is required
Cleaning of ventilations grilles and light fittings
Removal and cleaning of Radiators covers
Our Shared Values and Behaviours
We are committed to delivering outstanding care and creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. We seek individuals who share our purpose of helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and who are motivated by our mission to be the best team we can be. You will be expected to uphold our values by communicating openly, acting with kindness, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for your actions. These values guide how we work together and continually improve the care we provide.
Our values are:
- Being open and honest we all communicate clearly and honestly, asking for help when we need it, and making it easier for the people around us to share ideas and concerns.
- Ensuring people feel cared for we all take responsibility for actively supporting and nurturing a kind and compassionate environment for ourselves and others.
- Showing respect for everyone we all act with consideration and fairness, valuing each other as individuals and appreciating our different perspectives.
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 their actions to those which they feel competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to their competence during the course of their duties then they 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.
Commitment to Improvement
Our improvement system supports delivery of our strategic objectives by equipping teams with the skills and mindset to drive continuous improvement. It promotes a shared approach to identifying, communicating, and measuring change to enhance care quality and safety. You will be expected to take part in relevant training to support this.
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 staffresidences, 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.
