Caretaker / Cleaner

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Birmingham seeks a reliable caretaker/cleaner to ensure a clean and hygienic environment within the GP surgery. This role involves cleaning consultation rooms, managing waste, performing basic maintenance tasks, and adhering to health and safety guidelines. We aim to provide a safe space for both patients and staff in a diverse community. This position supports patient care and requires attention to detail and professionalism.

Qualifications

• General cleaning duties including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces.
• Knowledge of cleaning products and equipment handling.
• Basic maintenance skills including minor repairs and reporting faults.
• Awareness of health and safety regulations including COSHH.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness in consultation rooms, waiting areas, and communal spaces.
• Safe disposal of clinical and general waste following regulations.
• Carry out basic maintenance tasks and report issues.
• Monitor cleaning supplies and ensure proper equipment maintenance.
• Adhere to health and safety protocols, including infection prevention.

Skills

Reliability

Attention to Detail

Physical Fitness

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

Job Summary

The caretaker/cleaner is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic environment within the GP surgery. Key duties include:

• Cleaning and Sanitising: Regular cleaning of consultation rooms, waiting areas, toilets, and communal spaces to meet infection control standards.
• Waste Management: Safe disposal of clinical and general waste in compliance with health regulations.
• Basic Maintenance: Reporting and assisting with minor repairs or maintenance issues to ensure the building remains functional and secure.
• Stock Management: Monitoring and replenishing cleaning supplies and ensuring equipment is in good working order.
• Compliance: Following health and safety guidelines, including infection prevention protocols, to protect staff and patients.

This role is essential for supporting the smooth operation of the surgery and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for patients and staff.

Main duties of the job

• Clean and sanitise consultation rooms, waiting areas, toilets, and communal spaces to maintain high hygiene standards.
• Dispose of clinical and general waste safely, following infection control and health regulations.
• Carry out basic maintenance tasks and promptly report any repairs or safety concerns.
• Monitor and replenish cleaning supplies and ensure cleaning equipment is maintained and in good working order.
• Adhere to health and safety procedures, including infection prevention and control protocols.
• Ideally be available to take part in the late evening (6.30 pm - 8.00 pm) weekly rota and Saturday (once a month) opening and locking up.

Location & Contact

• Address: 433 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands, B42 1BT
• Phone: [phone]
• Website: towerhillpartnershipmedicalpractice.nhs.uk

About the Practice

• A large NHS GP surgery serving approximately 18,000 patients in Birmingham.
• Operates under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract with NHS England.
• Part of Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)

About Our Patients

Tower Hill Partnership Medical Practice cares for a diverse and vibrant community of nearly 18,300 patients in Perry Barr, Birmingham. Our population spans all age groups, with a balanced mix of men and women, and includes families, older adults, and working-age individuals.

We serve an area with high ethnic diversity, which means our team delivers culturally sensitive care and often works with multilingual resources. The practice is located in one of the more deprived areas nationally, so we play a vital role in supporting patients with complex health and social needs.

We provide proactive care for older people and those living with long-term conditions. We also support individuals with mental health challenges and those requiring social prescribing.

Joining our team means making a real difference in a community that values accessible, compassionate, and inclusive healthcare.

Job Description

Cleaning and Caretaking Job Description for a GP Surgery

1. Introduction

The cleaning and caretaking role within a GP surgery is a critical component of maintaining a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors. In primary care settings, cleanliness is not merely aesthetic – it is a fundamental requirement for infection prevention and control. The role ensures compliance with NHS cleaning standards and Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines, safeguarding public health and supporting clinical operations.

This position involves a combination of routine cleaning tasks, caretaking responsibilities, and adherence to strict health and safety protocols. The individual in this role plays a vital part in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), maintaining patient confidence, and supporting the smooth running of the practice.

The job demands reliability, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility. It requires working independently and collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams to ensure that all areas of the surgery – from consultation rooms to communal spaces – are maintained to the highest standards.

Specialised Cleaning Tasks

Caretaking Duties

Record Keeping and Compliance

3. Health & Safety Compliance

• Core Responsibilities: General Cleaning Duties
• Clinical Areas:
  • Clean and disinfect consultation rooms, treatment rooms, and minor surgery suites daily.
  • Wipe down examination couches, work surfaces, and medical equipment using approved disinfectants.
  • Ensure handwashing stations are stocked with soap, paper towels, and hand sanitiser.
• Non-Clinical Areas:
  • Clean waiting rooms, corridors, staff kitchens, and offices.
  • Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and dust surfaces.
  • Empty bins, including recycling and general waste, ensuring segregation of clinical and non-clinical waste.
• Toilets and Washrooms:
  • Clean and sanitise toilets, sinks, and floors.
  • Replenish toilet paper, soap, and hand towels.
  • Check for leaks or maintenance issues and report promptly.
  • Follow infection control protocols for high‑risk areas.
  • Use colour‑coded cleaning equipment to prevent cross‑contamination.
  • Safely handle and dispose of sharps containers and clinical waste bags.
  • Deep clean areas after infectious disease exposure or outbreak.
  • Unlock and secure the building at designated times.
  • Monitor heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.
  • Carry out minor repairs or report maintenance issues to the practice manager.
  • Assist with deliveries and storage of cleaning supplies.
  • Complete daily cleaning checklists and sign‑off sheets.
  • Maintain accurate logs for deep cleaning schedules.
  • Report hazards, accidents, or near misses immediately.

The role requires strict adherence to health and safety legislation, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:
  • Ensure personal safety and the safety of others while performing duties.
• COSHH Regulations:
  • Safely store and use cleaning chemicals.
  • Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, aprons, masks) when handling hazardous substances.
• Fire Safety:
  • Keep fire exits clear and report any obstructions.
  • Understand evacuation procedures and participate in drills.
• Manual Handling:
  • Use correct techniques when lifting or moving heavy items.
• Infection Control:
  • Follow NHS and CQC guidelines for cleaning in healthcare settings.
  • Report any signs of pest infestation or contamination immediately.

4. Confidentiality & Professional Conduct

Working in a GP surgery involves exposure to sensitive information. The cleaner/caretaker must:

• Respect patient confidentiality at all times.
• Avoid accessing or discussing patient records or conversations.
• Comply with GDPR and practice confidentiality policies.
• Maintain a professional appearance and courteous behaviour.

5. Skills and Attributes

Essential Qualities Include:

• Reliability and Punctuality: Consistent attendance and time‑keeping.
• Attention to Detail: Thorough cleaning and accurate record‑keeping.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to perform manual tasks and stand for extended periods.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff.
• Communication: Report issues clearly and promptly.
• Adaptability: Respond to urgent cleaning needs or schedule changes.

6. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The Role Requires Treating All Patients And Colleagues With Dignity And Respect, Regardless Of Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Disability, Or Background. The Cleaner/caretaker Must:

• Promote equality and non‑discrimination.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language.
• Support an inclusive environment that reflects NHS values.

7. Training and Development

Training Is Essential For Maintaining Standards And Includes:

• Infection prevention and control updates.
• Health and safety and COSHH training.
• Fire safety and manual handling courses.
• Opportunities for NVQ Level 1 or 2 in cleaning and support services.

8. Working Conditions and Hours

• Early morning or evening shifts to avoid disruption to patient care.
• Occasional weekend or bank holiday work for deep cleaning.
• Physical demands include bending, lifting, and prolonged standing.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals and potentially infectious materials (with PPE provided).

9. Contribution to Patient Care

The cleaner/caretaker plays a vital role in patient safety by:

• Reducing the risk of cross‑infection.
• Creating a clean, welcoming environment that reassures patients.
• Supporting clinical staff by maintaining hygienic spaces for consultations and treatments.

10. Conclusion

This role is integral to the smooth operation of a GP surgery. By ensuring high standards of cleanliness and safety, the cleaner/caretaker supports infection control, patient confidence, and staff wellbeing. The position demands professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to NHS values.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• General cleaning duties: Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces.
• Knowledge of cleaning products and equipment: Safe handling and correct usage.
• Basic maintenance skills: Minor repairs, changing light bulbs, reporting faults.
• Health & Safety awareness: Understanding COSHH regulations and safe working practices.
• Waste management: Emptying bins, recycling procedures.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a similar role: Caretaker, janitor, facilities assistant, or cleaner.
• Working in schools, offices, or public buildings: Familiarity with safeguarding requirements.
• Key holding and security checks: Locking/unlocking premises, alarm systems.
• Grounds maintenance: Gardening, snow clearing, or external cleaning.

Employer details

Employer name: Tower Hill Partnership Medical Practice

Address: 433 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B42 1BT

Website: https://www.towerhillpartnershipmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/