At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our ward team to ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients.
- Company: Leading healthcare provider in the North East, committed to high-quality patient care.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with strong values of care, respect, and engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while developing essential skills in healthcare.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; previous housekeeping experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals to join our ward team. We are looking for individuals who are keen for a new challenge and will work flexibly and efficiently to support the seamless running of the ward. The role of the Housekeeper will be crucial, and you will work closely with our supplies department. The post holder will work as an integral part of the ward team and will be responsible for ensuring a clean, safe and comfortable environment.
The main elements of the role include:
- Ensuring patients receive and are assisted in ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition.
- The delivery of cleaning, catering and supplies.
You will need to possess good communication, organisational and interpersonal skills. A polite and courteous manner towards patients and relatives will be essential for this role, together with your ability to work under pressure as part of the team on a busy medical ward, as well as organising your own workload. The successful candidate must be caring, compassionate and possess a positive attitude to supporting colleagues in the delivery of high quality, safe, effective care for our patients.
Main duties of the job include:
- Assisting in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.
- Carrying out spot cleaning and ensuring spillages are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
- Ensuring general and specialist equipment is cleaned as per cleaning policy.
- Maintaining the upkeep of patients' bed areas.
- Identifying any problems with cleanliness and reporting to the ward sister.
- Encouraging and assisting patients to order food, taking into account special needs and medical requirements.
- Preparing and serving hot/cold snacks as requested.
- Serving meals in conjunction with the nursing team, ensuring patients' intake is known and that their dietary needs are met.
- Providing assistance to eat and drink, e.g., cutting up food, placing food and drinks within reach, encouraging patients to eat.
- Ensuring all food and beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations.
- Taking responsibility for the ward catering supplies, ensuring storage areas are clean at all times.
- Coordinating extra meal requirements that may arise.
- Monitoring service delivery related to cleaning, food, linen and the environment.
- Managing the wards defect call log book, ensuring all defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.
- Transporting and disposing of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per the policy.
- Cleaning and preparing beds and handling linen.
- Respecting the privacy and dignity of patients whilst carrying out housekeeping duties.
- Maintaining the safety of people's property and belongings.
- Using communication skills to manage any aggressive and abusive behaviour.
- Receiving, welcoming and guiding visitors on arrival to the ward.
- Maintaining and updating paper-based records and information as required.
Qualifications required include:
- GCSE Maths or equivalent
- GCSE English or equivalent
- NVQ Qualification
Experience/Skills:
- Ability to work effectively within a team
- Awareness of basic Housekeeping duties
- Previous experience working as a housekeeper
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Health
Gateshead Health is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its staff and patients. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive work culture, employees benefit from ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth. Located in the heart of Gateshead, our team enjoys a collaborative environment where compassion and teamwork are at the forefront of delivering high-quality patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the ward! Before your interview, take a moment to research the hospital and its values. Understanding their mission and how they operate will help you connect with the team during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you're in the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled cleaning and catering tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your experience and commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The team is looking for someone who fits in well, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A positive attitude and a caring nature can go a long way in making a great impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Ward Housekeeper in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about joining our ward team and making a difference in patients' lives.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to emphasise your communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills. These are key for the Housekeeper role, so give us examples of how you've used these skills in previous jobs or experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Mention specific duties from the role that you’re particularly keen on and how you can contribute to our values.
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Health
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Ward Housekeeper. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like maintaining cleanliness, assisting patients with hydration and nutrition, and working closely with the nursing team. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Since this role requires good communication and interpersonal skills, think of examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these abilities. Whether it’s dealing with patients or collaborating with colleagues, be ready to share specific instances that highlight your caring and compassionate nature.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle various situations on the ward. For instance, you might be asked how you would deal with a spill or assist a patient who needs help eating. Practising your responses to these types of questions can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The job requires working as part of a team and being flexible under pressure. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked in a team environment before and how you adapt to changing situations. Highlighting your ability to support colleagues and maintain a positive attitude will resonate well with the interviewers.
