Catering Assistant | Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in East Grinstead is looking for a team member to join their Catering Department. This role focuses on food service to patients, staff, and visitors, emphasizing high hygiene standards. Responsibilities include preparing snacks and salads, cleaning kitchen equipment, and stock replenishment. The ideal candidate will be flexible, work well under guidance, and participate in necessary training sessions. This position promises a rewarding experience in a supportive NHS environment.

Qualifications

• Flexible approach to work and adaptability to various tasks.
• Experience in food preparation and service.
• Understanding of cleanliness and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Undertake food service to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Ensure adherence to presentation and food quality standards.
• Carry out the preparation of snacks and salads.
• Clean floors, surfaces, and equipment within the kitchen.
• Replenish stock items and handle manual lifting.
• Attend necessary training programs.
• Check temperatures of refrigerators and maintain records.
• Dispose of catering waste according to policy.

Job description

To work as a team member with a flexible approach within the Catering Department. Position is based mainly in the kitchen. To assist in the preparation and service of food for patients, staff and visitors, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the department.

Responsibilities

• Undertake food service to patients, staff and visitors.
• Ensure that presentation, portion control, temperature control and food quality standards are adhered to.
• Carry out the preparation of snacks and salads to the required standards and any other food items required for sale.
• Undertake the cleaning of floors, surfaces and equipment within the kitchen and dining room as appropriate.
• Replenish stock items in the restaurant/kitchen from catering stores; manual handling and lifting involved.
• Attend any necessary training program as directed by the Food and Beverage Manager.
• Check temperatures of refrigerators and maintain all records.
• Dispose of all catering waste according to departmental policy which includes the operation of waste disposal unit.
• Adopt a flexible approach as there may be a requirement to work in either the central kitchen, stores or the restaurant.
• Respect all issues in relation to equality and diversity in relation to patients, colleagues and visitors.
• Operate equipment as required following appropriate training, e.g. central dishwasher/pot wash, deep fat fryer/oven, toasted sandwich maker and any other equipment as appropriate.

Rated GOOD overall with outstanding care by the CQC. A specialist NHS hospital providing life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation services across the South of England and beyond.

We specialise in conditions of the eyes (corneoplastics), hands, head and neck cancer and skin cancer, reconstructive breast surgery, maxillofacial surgery and prosthetics, providing regional and national services in these areas of clinical expertise. Our world‑leading clinical teams also treat more common conditions of the eyes, hands, skin, and teeth for the people of East Grinstead and the surrounding areas. In addition, QVH provides a minor injuries unit, expert therapies, a sleep service, and a growing portfolio of community‑based services. Patients consistently rate QVH amongst the top hospitals in the country for quality of care.

Our success is underpinned by the skills and enthusiasm of our staff and a strong culture of partnership. We are fully committed to training and development of the workforce with support for continuing education and learning.

This advert closes on Wednesday 7 Jan 2026