Catering Assistant

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Wonford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

NHS Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Staff discounts

Occupational health services

Job summary

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a catering assistant to support the patient meal service, serving meals on wards and in the kitchen. You will load trolleys, deliver to patients and ensure food safety and timeliness in a busy hospital environment.

This role focuses on compassionate patient care, working as part of a team with flexibility to cover the maternity ward and 37.5 hours per week, including some weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and customer care in a patient-facing role.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Good organisational skills and attention to hygiene policies.

Responsibilities

• Serve and deliver meals and beverages to patients on wards.
• Load, transport and return meal trolleys with temperature-controlled handling.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness and infection control standards are followed.
• Assist with cleaning duties of trolleys, equipment and ward areas.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Job description

More detail about the role The post holder will be required to work both on the wards and within the Patient Meal Service kitchen, supporting the delivery of a high-quality catering service to patients. Responsibilities include serving and delivering all food and beverage requirements to patients on the wards, ensuring meals are provided in a timely, safe, and courteous manner. The post holder will be required to load, transport, and return meal trolleys, ensuring correct handling, temperature control, and food safety standards are maintained at all times. Associated cleaning duties will be undertaken, including cleaning of trolleys, equipment, work areas, and ward pantries in line with infection control and food hygiene policies. The post holder is expected to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, working effectively as part of a team and independently when required.

The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment is essential, while consistently delivering a high standard of customer care and a compassionate, patient-focused service. This role will be covering the maternity ward. Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Working 2 out of 3 weekends - hours are 10:30-6.30 on wards or if in kitchen 8-4pm and 12-8pm Interview Date: To be Confirmed

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there. Looking after you is important to us.

Benefits

• This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications.
• Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills.
• We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
• 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
• You’ll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
• You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.