Catering Assistant - Royal Brompton Hospital

On 1st February 2021 the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals became part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust – a truly once-in a generation development. Together, we are taking our first steps towards our vision of creating a brand-new centre of excellence, which will be the global leader in the research into and treatment of heart and lung disease in patients from pre-birth to old age. We are developing some exciting plans and we want you to join us – so come and help to change the shape of healthcare for our heart and lung patients world-wide.

We are looking to recruit friendly individuals who will demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach to work primarily in our private patient’s ward. You will be involved in all aspects of the food and beverage service to patients, undertaking the preparation for the service of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Other areas of work may include vending services, delivery of function food to all areas of the hospital and assisting in retail areas when required. You will have varied responsibilities and therefore a positive and cheerful attitude is a must, along with a drive to improve the patient experience.

These are all challenging but rewarding jobs and would be ideally suited to motivated team player’s. Previous experience within a busy catering environment would be beneficial (but not essential). A Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is essential.

About you:

• Must have a good, basic level of English as you may need to speak to patients, visitors or other staff, as well as reporting any issues, and fully understanding your training
• Must have basic literacy and numeracy skills
• Be able to work as part of a team and have the ability to prioritize tasks where necessary
• Understand the importance of hygiene and basic health and safety

You will have varied responsibilities and therefore a positive and cheerful attitude is a must, along with a drive to improve the patient experience.

These are all challenging but rewarding jobs and would be ideally suited to motivated team players.

We are a friendly in-house Catering team. All our food is freshly prepared by our chefs on the day for patients. We pride ourselves on our good food and great customer service.

To be prepared for service by acknowledging the menu content, and portion control.

Ensure all relevant equipment has been turned "on" prior to service and switched "off" once used.

To prepare patient trays, ensuring adequate supplies of crockery, cutlery, prior to service. Trays are to be prepared to the agreed set standard.

To encourage and assist patients to order food on the daily menu card. ensuring that the menus are returned to the catering department for accounting purposes.

To be aware of patient’s special diets and to ensure that all special dietary needs/requests are followed.

To check fridges in the catering pantry area for out of date food and remove as necessary.

To ensure meal service times are adhered too and that all other services including the snacks and diet products are available.

Ensure all food served to patients is properly presented and easily accessible, taking into account any dietary restrictions that may apply.

To report to the nurse in charge if patients are not eating their meals. Work closely with the nursing team to monitor patients food.

To prepare hot and cold beverages and ensure that all beverages are served at the correct temperature, at regular times throughout the day and when requested by the patients.

Bottles of water to be available in the pantry and the fridge at all times, to be provided to the patient three times per day.

To ensure that at the end of every meal and beverage service all trays are removed from the patient rooms in a timely manner and returned to the ward pantry for washing.

Clean down all equipment and throw away all excess food items in the appropriate containers after service.

Ensure compliance with all aspects of health and safety legislation and the correct use of personal protective equipment.

To undertake cleaning duties including, all trolleys, floors, fridges, walls surfaces and equipment following laid down cleaning schedules and COSHH guidelines.

To operate industrial under counter or flight dishwasher and to be responsible for the washing of larger items in pan wash area in relation to the patient mealtime i.e. plates, trays, jugs, cutlery, glasses, cup holders etc.

To check the rotas for hours and duties and any changes daily in regard to shift patterns, hours of work and assisting in the induction of relief staff.

To maintain full uniform at all times in accordance with the Trust dress code policy this includes the correct PPE when undertaking meal service and cleaning duties.