BANK Catering Assistant

As a Catering Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring that meals served to patients are nutritious, safe, and aligned with dietary needs. You’ll have a strong understanding of food safety, excellent customer service skills, and a willingness to work within a team to maintain the high standards required in a hospital environment. Adaptability, attention to detail, and a caring attitude are essential traits to succeed in this role.

What you’ll do:

• Assist in preparing and serving meals to patients in accordance with hospital menus and dietary requirements.

• Adhere to food hygiene standards, including cleaning and sanitising food preparation areas and equipment.

• Ensure proper food storage, handling, and labelling in accordance with health and safety standards, including the safe handling of hot and cold food items.

• Follow specific dietary instructions for patients with special dietary needs (e.g., allergies, medical conditions, or cultural preferences).

• Assist with the delivery of meals to patient rooms, ensuring correct trays and dietary needs are met.

• Communicate effectively with ward staff and patients to ensure patient preferences and dietary requirements are accurately fulfilled.

• Collect and return trays after meals, ensuring all used equipment is cleaned and sanitized.

• Ensure proper labelling of meals and trays to avoid any mix-ups, especially for patients with allergies or specific medical conditions.

• Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and hospital staff, addressing any meal-related concerns or special requests in a professional and courteous manner.

• Previous experience in catering or food preparation, ideally in a hospital or large-scale food service environment, is desirable but not essential.

• Knowledge of food hygiene standards, including an understanding of the importance of cleanliness and food safety.

• Basic knowledge of dietary needs and special diets is beneficial, especially in a healthcare setting.

• Good communication skills, with the ability to follow instructions and interact with patients, staff, and visitors in a polite and professional manner.

• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a busy and fast-paced environment.

• A caring and patient attitude, especially when interacting with patients who may have specific meal preferences or needs.

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or carry food trays or supplies as necessary.