Patient Catering Assistant - GGH | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

The role of the Patient Catering Assistant is to carry out duties within the chilled production and wash up areas in the main kitchen as required. Providing a high standard patient meal service, in a professional and responsive manner, meeting the needs of the patients. Preparation and regeneration of meals at ward level on a daily basis. Working as part of a team to include ward staff to provide all patient meals in a timely manner within food safety guidelines.

UHL provides breakfast, lunch & supper to over 1800 patients per day, which includes snacks, beverages & special dietary requirements. Responsibilities include:

• Observing Trust policies and processes
• Food Safety Management Systems
• Local processes
• Food Safety Policies
• Transporting the patient meals from the catering department to the ward for evening meal service, checking arrival temperatures
• Cooking the meals on the ward using microwaves, using probes and wipes and completing the food safety paperwork
• Checking that each patient has received a meal, which could include taking an order, collecting the items and continuing cooking until the ward is complete
• Cleaning of the ward kitchen after service
• Returning the used crockery and cutlery to the catering department and washing up, using an industrial dishwasher
• Recording and disposing of all food waste
• Departmental cleaning, which includes dismantling the dishwasher and reassembling

Visiting wards and collecting meal orders directly from patients using an electronic collation system (SAFFRON) by means of a hand-held tablet. Delivering meals to wards/departments via trolleys, regen ovens and in cam carts in the set time frame for the patient meal service. Collection of dirty and used cutlery in/on trolleys or cam carts in a timely manner. Completing meal service at ward level with minimal food preparation as required in the main production kitchen.

Working in the wash up area of the kitchen, using a machine dish wash and also manually washing up when required. Able to accurately record and monitor temperatures to required frequencies. Ensuring that foods are checked for suitability for special diets. Reporting any faults or defects of equipment or kitchen area to your supervisor, ensuring that any equipment is taken out of use and labelled 'do not use'. Picking and packing and preparation of patient meal trays for meal service, adhering to Trust food safety management policies and procedures at all times when required.

Working within chilled areas and in wet environments. Responsibility for ensuring the high standards of cleanliness is maintained throughout the work area adhering to Trust policies and procedures. To carry out cleaning tasks, both specific and generic, to prescribed work schedules for designated areas, in line with Trust policies and procedures. To adhere to Trust Infection Control Prevention and Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) policies in carrying out cleaning tasks. To adhere to the Trust colour coding system to prevent cross infection.

Ensuring the correct and economical use of materials and cleaning chemicals seeking advice from the Team Lead if in any doubt. To remove and dispose of food, cardboard, and household waste adhering to waste regulations and Trust policies and procedures. Ensure all equipment is cleaned after use and stored securely. Ensure all cleaning products are stored securely. Report to your Team Lead any incidents, accidents, mishaps. Preparing meal trays and regeneration of patient meals at ward level adhering to Trust food safety management policies and procedures at all times. Recording meal temperatures prior to service delivery. Responsibility for the ward kitchen/regeneration area ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained.