At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve nutritious meals to patients and maintain hygiene standards in a hospital setting.
- Company: Join the NHS team in Ebbw Vale, making a difference in patient care.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour with consistent weekday hours and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Play a vital role in patient wellbeing while gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering or customer service is a plus; teamwork and communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting Catering Assistants to work within the NHS in Ebbw Vale on a temporary contract.
Purpose of the Role
To provide high‑quality food service to patients on hospital wards, ensuring meals are served safely, accurately, and in line with NHS dietary and hygiene standards. Ward Catering Assistants play an important role in supporting patient wellbeing by delivering nutritious meals and maintaining excellent hygiene practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Patient Meal Service
- Distribute patient meal menus and assist patients in completing them based on dietary requirements.
- Prepare ward meal trolleys and ensure correct portioning and food presentation.
- Deliver meals, snacks, and beverages to patients in a timely manner.
- Ensure meals are appropriate for each patient’s medical and dietary needs (e.g., allergen restrictions, soft diets).
- Collect trays after mealtimes and return trolleys to the main kitchen.
- Food Safety & Hygiene
- Maintain strict cleanliness in all ward catering areas.
- Adhere to NHS food safety standards, infection control measures, and HACCP guidelines.
- Safely handle, store, and transport hot and cold food items.
- Report any issues with food quality, equipment, or hygiene immediately.
- Support & Communication
- Communicate effectively with ward staff, dietitians, and catering teams.
- Report patients’ appetite concerns or dietary changes as required.
- Provide excellent customer service and support patient comfort and dignity.
- Equipment
- Operate ward kitchen equipment (e.g., regeneration ovens, beverage boilers) safely.
- Clean and maintain equipment and work areas following set procedures.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience in catering, hospitality, or customer service (desirable but not always essential).
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced healthcare environment.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Basic understanding of food hygiene and safety practices.
- Ability to follow strict procedures and maintain high standards.
Desirable Requirements
- Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
- Experience working in healthcare or a hospital environment.
- Knowledge of special diets and allergen procedures.
Pay rate: £12.21 per hour
Hours of work: Monday – Friday 07:30 – 14:00 or 13:30 – 20:00
This is a great opportunity to join a supportive healthcare environment with consistent weekday hours. Apply now to get started!
Ward Catering Assistant in Ebbw Vale employer: gap personnel
Contact Detail:
gap personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Catering Assistant in Ebbw Vale
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the NHS values and mission. When you’re chatting with potential employers, sprinkle in some of that knowledge. It shows you’re not just after any job, but you genuinely care about the role and the impact it has on patient care.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Ward Catering Assistant, you'll need to interact with patients and staff. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any questions or concerns that come your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re keen on the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate and keeps everything in one place.
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Catering Assistant in Ebbw Vale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in catering or customer service. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Ward Catering Assistant, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Show Your Passion for Patient Care: In your written application, express your enthusiasm for supporting patient wellbeing through quality food service. We love candidates who understand the importance of nutrition and hygiene in a healthcare setting, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at gap personnel
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Ward Catering Assistant. Familiarise yourself with patient meal service, food safety, and hygiene standards. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Brush Up on Food Hygiene
Since food safety is crucial in this role, it’s a good idea to review basic food hygiene practices and NHS standards. If you have a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, mention it! Even if you don’t, showing that you’re aware of hygiene protocols can set you apart.
✨Practice Communication Skills
As a Ward Catering Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with patients and staff. Practice how you would explain dietary options or address any concerns. Being able to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This job requires teamwork, so be ready to discuss your experience working in a team environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in fast-paced settings. This will show that you can thrive in the healthcare environment.