At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our ward clean and safe while supporting patients and the nursing team.
- Company: Join Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, job security, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic healthcare setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working in a caring team.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English, good communication skills, and teamwork ability.
The predicted salary is between 24465 - 24465 € per year.
Ward 27 is a general surgical 30-bed ward in Gateshead, North East England. The role of Housekeeper is vital to maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients, supporting the nursing team and ensuring high quality care.
About Us: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care and Bensham Hospital. We employ around 4,800 staff and support 444 hospital beds. Our core values are ICORE: Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. We value diversity and offer a Balance programme to support staff wellbeing.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.
- Carry out spot cleaning and address spillages swiftly.
- Clean general and specialist equipment, including drip stands, medical instruments and commodes, following cleaning policy.
- Maintain safety and tidiness of the ward, e.g., removing clutter, tidying notice boards and signage.
- Uphold upkeep of patient bed areas.
- Identify cleanliness issues and report to the ward sister.
- Perform specialist surface and furnishing cleaning.
- Clean isolation nursing areas appropriately.
- Encourage and assist patients to order food, considering special needs and medical requirements.
- Prepare and serve hot/cold snacks and meals with the nursing team, ensuring dietary needs are met.
- Assist patients with eating and drinking, including cutting food, placing items within reach, and encouraging intake.
- Feed patients as directed by nursing staff.
- Ensure food and beverages are served at correct temperature per food hygiene regulations.
- Prepare eating areas for a pleasant environment.
- Manage ward catering supplies, discarding out‑of‑date food and rotating stock.
- Label and store refrigerated food correctly as per policy.
- Coordinate special meal requirements for discharged or newly admitted patients.
- Ensure patients with unrestricted fluid intake have access to fresh water.
- Monitor service delivery for cleaning, food, linen and environment at agreed frequency.
- Inform the ward sister of monitoring outcomes and agree on action plans.
- Manage the defect call logbook, ensuring defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed.
- Coordinate ad‑hoc maintenance and liaise with other services.
- Perform household maintenance (replace light bulbs, batteries, unblock sinks, etc.) in line with local policy.
- Monitor equipment and ensure repairs are carried out per Trust policy.
- Transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per policy.
- Clean and prepare beds and handle linen.
- Monitor access, security and use of premises and facilities.
- Respect patient privacy and dignity during housekeeping duties.
- Maintain safety of patient belongings and minimise security breaches.
- Use communication skills to manage aggressive or abusive behaviour.
- Assist visitors, transport equipment, consumables and printed information as required.
- Maintain and update paper‑based records and information.
- Provide general information and maintain confidentiality of patient data.
- Help resolve patient concerns and take appropriate action.
- Stay aware of new food hygiene standards and waste categorisation changes.
Person Specification:
- Essential: GCSE Maths or equivalent, GCSE English or equivalent, Good communication skills, Ability to work effectively within a team, Basic awareness of housekeeping duties.
- Desirable: NVQ Qualification, Previous experience as a housekeeper.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure check will be required to confirm there are no unsuitability findings.
Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and considered alongside other applications.
Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead employer: DenialHost
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises staff wellbeing through initiatives like the Balance programme. As a Ward Housekeeper, you will play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and comfort for patients, while benefiting from opportunities for professional growth within a large organisation dedicated to innovation and care in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ward and its team! Before your interview, take a stroll around the Queen Elizabeth Hospital if you can. Familiarising yourself with the environment and the people will help you feel more confident and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Housekeeper, you'll need to interact with patients and staff regularly. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation that comes your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlighting your ability to collaborate with nursing staff and other housekeepers will demonstrate that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join our team at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. By applying directly on our site, you’ll have access to all the latest updates and opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Cleaning Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have with cleaning or housekeeping. We want to see that you understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.
Communicate Clearly:Good communication is key in this role! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether it's with patients or the nursing team. We love seeing examples of how you've worked well in a team before.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your application to the specific role of Housekeeper at Ward 27. Mention our core values like Care and Respect, and show us how you embody them.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DenialHost
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Ward Housekeeper. Familiarise yourself with cleaning standards, food hygiene regulations, and how to support the nursing team. This will show your commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Housekeeper, you'll need to communicate effectively with both patients and staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed communication in previous roles, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle aggressive or abusive behaviour with professionalism.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
The role requires working closely with the nursing team, so be ready to discuss your experience in a team setting. Share specific instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, particularly in a healthcare or similar environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the ward's culture, the team dynamics, or how they uphold their core values of Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, and Engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
