Housekeeper | Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in Chorley

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. We are a PICU inpatient unit, with a compact and committed staff team who all strive towards providing our service users with an excellent inpatient experience. We do this in part through our commitment to reducing restrictive practices, the use of activity on the ward and by providing the staff team access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.

The post holder will work as an integral part of the Ward team, and will be responsible for the co‑ordination of all patient facilities/services in the in‑patient area and for ensuring a safe, clean and comfortable environment. The main element of the role is to support ward managers in the running of the unit, together with other specified tasks to meet individual patient needs, as determined by the Ward Manager/Deputy Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge.

The post holder will be required to work closely with contractors and Estates & Facilities departments, and will monitor quality standards and rectify deficiencies in liaison with the Ward Managers. Where this is not possible or timely this will be escalated and formal records kept.

• Receive, welcome and guide visitors on arrival to the unit, liaising with other staff as appropriate.
• Respond to requests for general information from patients and visitors.
• Respect the privacy and dignity of patients while carrying out housekeeping duties.
• Maintain complete confidentiality with regard to all patient issues.
• Assist people with accessing and interpreting written information, e.g., cards and letters.
• Communicate effectively with people.
• Keep the modern matron and service manager informed of any issues relating to the housekeeping role.
• Liaise and work alongside estates, facilities and other external contractors.
• Handle minor complaints and take appropriate action escalating to ward manager when required.
• Be aware of any new food hygiene standards and changes to waste categorisation and ensure these are implemented in the ward environment.
• Carry out monitoring of service delivery, especially related to cleaning, food, linen and the environment, at the agreed frequency.
• Inform ward managers of outcomes of monitoring and agree action plans, ensuring action is taken.
• Carry out regular equipment monitoring and asset registers in accordance with procedures and in liaison with medical engineering, escalating identified issues in line with Trust policies.
• Manage all ward estates and facilities issues, ensuring all defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as services have been rectified.
• Ensure mattress audits are undertaken in line with Trust policy and issues identified are escalated to ward manager in a timely manner.

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups. We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT supports flexible working. We believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi‑time. The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.