Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Band 2 Housekeeper for 7 East

The closing date is 23 July 2025

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a part time Housekeeper on our 7 East surgical ward. The successful post holder will be working 2 days a week on a Monday and Tuesday 07:30-15:30 to support the 7 East team.

Additionally the post holder will:

o To work as part of the clinical ward team, supporting a clean, safe and comfortable environment.o To share and receive routine information with the unit team regarding the patient's day; cleaning, catering, supplies and patient discharges. Ensuring that work is planned in the most appropriate way to provide a high-quality patient focused service.o The post holder will be required to work closely with other facilities, departments and support services and will assist in monitoring quality standards, reporting deficiencies and taking appropriate action.o The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection

Main duties of the job

o To work as part of the clinical ward team, supporting a clean, safe and comfortable environment.o To share and receive routine information with the unit team regarding the patient's day; cleaning, catering, supplies and patient discharges. Ensuring that work is planned in the most appropriate way to provide a high-quality patient focused service.o The post holder will be required to work closely with other facilities, departments and support services and will assist in monitoring quality standards, reporting deficiencies and taking appropriate action.o The post holder is expected to comply with Trust Infection Control Policies and conduct themselves at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection

About us

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests.Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the topFor more information please follow link https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk

Details

Date posted

09 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£29,583 a year Per annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

391-RFL-7313243

Job locations

7 East Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

London

NW3 2QG


Job description

Job responsibilities

1. PATIENT FOCUSED CARE Ensure that privacy, dignity and confidentiality relating to all aspects of the Trusts operations is maintained. Being courteous and helpful to patients, families, colleagues and all users and visitors to the ward. Welcome patients to the ward in a friendly, professional manner, guiding them to their chair/trolley. Orientate them and their families to the unit and hospital where necessary. Provide accurate and timely information to patients regarding unit routines i.e. visiting times, meal times. Provide additional refreshments to patients and families where appropriate including the patients evening meal served around 18:00. Tidy up the trolleys/chairs where requested by the nurse in charge of the unit. Answer the telephone according to Trust guidelines. Support unit team by undertaking tasks to enhance patient care i.e. collection of food items, laundry, supplies etc. Recognise when additional support is required such as interpreters and chaplaincy and arranging such in conjunction with nurse in charge. Ensure the bed/chair is prepared for the arrival of a new admission to the unit, i.e. checking the area is clean, rubbish removed etc. Alert nurse in charge to aspects of dissatisfaction by patients i.e. complaints. Provide assistance to patients in using the telephone. Ensure safe working encironment by abiding to the Health and Safey at Work Act. To report concerns if there is suspected harm to a patient, or person connected to the patient, ensuring their safety and wellbeing is maintained.

2. MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER STAFF Report any damaged equipment and arrange for required maintenance repairs, co-ordinating and following up as required. Attend clinical unit team meetings and/or handovers as required. Communicate any relevant information to other service providers e.g. changes in a patients dietary requirement, specialist cleaning etc. Assist with the planning of the unit based facilities programmed such as PEAT inspections, outbreak cleaning and the annual deep cleaning programme. To work as part of a team to ensure the unit is safe and tidy at all times e.g. remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc. Check over bed lights, on a weekly basis, to ensure that bulbs are working and where appropriate report any faults to the Estates department. To maintain environmental, good hygiene and personal hygiene by wearing the correct full uniform at all times in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policy. This includes the correct personal protective equipment when undertaking meal service and cleaning duties. Attend Trust Housekeeping meetings as arranged. To display a formal Trust ID badge at all times whilst on duty.

3. FOOD Assist patients in the choice of menus taking into consideration their dietary needs. Maintain visible display of individual patients dietary needs. Make sure that all patient nutrition and hydration requirements are managed throughout the day and delivered in a timely and efficient manner with the designated protected meal times. Arrange, co-ordinate and collect additional food as requested by the patient in liaison with the nurse responsible for the patient. Assist in serving morning and afternoon beverages. Assist ward staff in serving meals. Ensure that patients are physically able to reach their food and assist patients as necessary e.g. remove lids, packaging, polythene and cling film, cutting up food etc. Offer assistance to patients before and after meals to clean their hands. Check ward fridge temperature and contents daily and document. Full compliance with the Trusts Hygiene Policies, the Food Safety Act and the General Food Hygiene Regulations.

4. STOCKS AND SUPPLIES In agreement with the unit sister liaise with the top up supplies staff to ensure that the unit weekly top up meets the needs of the patients. Assist supplies staff in unpacking stocks and supplies and recording items delivered. Bring to the attention of the nurses in charge if regular stock items become available. Liaise with supplies and other separtments should deficits in supplies occur and assist in obtaining items required. Ensure all clinical areas/store rooms and dirty utility rooms are stocked up daily and kept tidy. Ensure that stock is rotated to ensure efficient and economic use of supplies.

5. CLEANING To co-ordinate the timely cleaning of vacated chair/trolley spaces as required and if there is no cleaning service available to undertake cleaning as required. Clean medical equipment where necessary. i.e. pumps, drip stands, medical trolleys etc. Be aware of and assist, when appropriate, additional cleaning such as yearly deep cleaning, window cleaning, wall washing and curtain changing etc. liaising with the domestic supervisor regarding these duties. Alert sister in charge regarding deficits in daily cleaning liaising with the domestic supervisor regarding the remedy of such. Liaise with the Domestic Team Leader regarding additional cleaning, i.e. isolation room and bed space terminal cleans, pest control etc. Ensure maintenance of a clean and tidy unit area i.e. keep patient and non patient areas tidy in collaboration with nurse in charge.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. PATIENT FOCUSED CARE Ensure that privacy, dignity and confidentiality relating to all aspects of the Trusts operations is maintained. Being courteous and helpful to patients, families, colleagues and all users and visitors to the ward. Welcome patients to the ward in a friendly, professional manner, guiding them to their chair/trolley. Orientate them and their families to the unit and hospital where necessary. Provide accurate and timely information to patients regarding unit routines i.e. visiting times, meal times. Provide additional refreshments to patients and families where appropriate including the patients evening meal served around 18:00. Tidy up the trolleys/chairs where requested by the nurse in charge of the unit. Answer the telephone according to Trust guidelines. Support unit team by undertaking tasks to enhance patient care i.e. collection of food items, laundry, supplies etc. Recognise when additional support is required such as interpreters and chaplaincy and arranging such in conjunction with nurse in charge. Ensure the bed/chair is prepared for the arrival of a new admission to the unit, i.e. checking the area is clean, rubbish removed etc. Alert nurse in charge to aspects of dissatisfaction by patients i.e. complaints. Provide assistance to patients in using the telephone. Ensure safe working encironment by abiding to the Health and Safey at Work Act. To report concerns if there is suspected harm to a patient, or person connected to the patient, ensuring their safety and wellbeing is maintained.

2. MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER STAFF Report any damaged equipment and arrange for required maintenance repairs, co-ordinating and following up as required. Attend clinical unit team meetings and/or handovers as required. Communicate any relevant information to other service providers e.g. changes in a patients dietary requirement, specialist cleaning etc. Assist with the planning of the unit based facilities programmed such as PEAT inspections, outbreak cleaning and the annual deep cleaning programme. To work as part of a team to ensure the unit is safe and tidy at all times e.g. remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc. Check over bed lights, on a weekly basis, to ensure that bulbs are working and where appropriate report any faults to the Estates department. To maintain environmental, good hygiene and personal hygiene by wearing the correct full uniform at all times in accordance with the Trust Uniform and Dress Code Policy. This includes the correct personal protective equipment when undertaking meal service and cleaning duties. Attend Trust Housekeeping meetings as arranged. To display a formal Trust ID badge at all times whilst on duty.

3. FOOD Assist patients in the choice of menus taking into consideration their dietary needs. Maintain visible display of individual patients dietary needs. Make sure that all patient nutrition and hydration requirements are managed throughout the day and delivered in a timely and efficient manner with the designated protected meal times. Arrange, co-ordinate and collect additional food as requested by the patient in liaison with the nurse responsible for the patient. Assist in serving morning and afternoon beverages. Assist ward staff in serving meals. Ensure that patients are physically able to reach their food and assist patients as necessary e.g. remove lids, packaging, polythene and cling film, cutting up food etc. Offer assistance to patients before and after meals to clean their hands. Check ward fridge temperature and contents daily and document. Full compliance with the Trusts Hygiene Policies, the Food Safety Act and the General Food Hygiene Regulations.

4. STOCKS AND SUPPLIES In agreement with the unit sister liaise with the top up supplies staff to ensure that the unit weekly top up meets the needs of the patients. Assist supplies staff in unpacking stocks and supplies and recording items delivered. Bring to the attention of the nurses in charge if regular stock items become available. Liaise with supplies and other separtments should deficits in supplies occur and assist in obtaining items required. Ensure all clinical areas/store rooms and dirty utility rooms are stocked up daily and kept tidy. Ensure that stock is rotated to ensure efficient and economic use of supplies.

5. CLEANING To co-ordinate the timely cleaning of vacated chair/trolley spaces as required and if there is no cleaning service available to undertake cleaning as required. Clean medical equipment where necessary. i.e. pumps, drip stands, medical trolleys etc. Be aware of and assist, when appropriate, additional cleaning such as yearly deep cleaning, window cleaning, wall washing and curtain changing etc. liaising with the domestic supervisor regarding these duties. Alert sister in charge regarding deficits in daily cleaning liaising with the domestic supervisor regarding the remedy of such. Liaise with the Domestic Team Leader regarding additional cleaning, i.e. isolation room and bed space terminal cleans, pest control etc. Ensure maintenance of a clean and tidy unit area i.e. keep patient and non patient areas tidy in collaboration with nurse in charge.

Person Specification

Education and professional qualifications

Essential

  • Good standard of general education

Desirable

  • oBasic food hygiene qualification (or willingness & ability to undertake and pass RIPH Foundation certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety)

Royal Free World Class Care Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate ability to meet the Trust values

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working with the general public

Skills and aptitudes

Essential

  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • High standard of personal hygiene
  • Good organisational skills

Desirable

  • Knowledge of food safety

Personal qualities and attributes

Essential

  • Genuine interest in working in a healthcare setting
  • Ability to form positive and constructive relationships and work as a team
  • Ability to prioritise
Person Specification

Education and professional qualifications

Essential

  • Good standard of general education

Desirable

  • oBasic food hygiene qualification (or willingness & ability to undertake and pass RIPH Foundation certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety)

Royal Free World Class Care Values

Essential

  • Demonstrate ability to meet the Trust values

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of working with the general public

Skills and aptitudes

Essential

  • Good written and oral communication skills
  • High standard of personal hygiene
  • Good organisational skills

Desirable

  • Knowledge of food safety

Personal qualities and attributes

Essential

  • Genuine interest in working in a healthcare setting
  • Ability to form positive and constructive relationships and work as a team
  • Ability to prioritise

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).

Additional information

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

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

7 East Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

London

NW3 2QG


Employer's website

https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Address

7 East Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

London

NW3 2QG


Employer's website

https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Matron

Katharine Hannon

katharine.hannon@nhs.net

02078302665

Details

Date posted

09 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£29,583 a year Per annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

391-RFL-7313243

Job locations

7 East Royal Free Hospital

Pond Street

London

NW3 2QG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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