Cook

Hywel Dda University Health Board; Wales; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Hywel Dda University Health Board invites applications for a Cook in the Catering Department at Withybush General Hospital. The role focuses on preparing fresh, nutritious meals as the service transitions to homemade dishes, supporting patient recovery and wellbeing.

This 30-hour post includes early, servery and late shifts, with a rota that provides three weekends off in six. You will work in a supportive team within a busy hospital setting, providing meals for patients, staff and visitors.

Qualifications

• Basic level of general education.
• City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent.
• NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and HACCP systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh, homemade meals for patients, staff and visitors in a busy hospital catering environment.
• Produce and serve meals in line with nutritional care standards.
• Support the team in delivering high-quality meals as part of a 30-hour contract over four days.

Education

City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent

NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and HACCP systems

Job description

Job overview

Are you passionate about preparing nutritious, high-quality meals and delivering a service that makes a real difference to people's wellbeing? We are looking for a dedicated Cook to join the Catering Department at Withybush General Hospital.

As part of our commitment to improving the dining experience for patients, we are moving from a frozen cook system to a fresh cook approach, creating a wider range of homemade meals, from hearty main dishes to delicious puddings. Our aim is to provide high-quality, freshly prepared food packed with nutrition and flavour, offering meal choices that support recovery and wellbeing and that we can be proud of.

This 30-hour post includes a combination of early shifts (6:30am-2:30pm), servery shifts (9:00am-5:00pm) cooking for staff and visitors, and late shifts (10:30am-6:30pm), together with one relief week within the rota.

Main duties of the job

We are passionate about food and are looking for the right person to help us deliver the very best nutritional care to the people of Pembrokeshire. This role offers the opportunity to use your culinary skills in a rewarding healthcare environment, preparing fresh, homemade meals that make a real difference to patients every day. With a 30-hour contract worked across four days, a planned shift pattern and three weekends off in every six, the role provides the consistency and balance to enjoy a fulfilling career alongside life outside of work.

Working within a busy hospital catering environment, you will be responsible for the preparation and production of meals for patients, while also supporting food provision for staff and visitors.

As part of Hywel Dda University Health Board, you will join a supportive team committed to delivering high-quality services to our local communities, where your skills and dedication will make a valuable contribution every day.

Working for our organisation

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our services are provided in:

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will take place on 11/11/2026

Person specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Basic level of general education
• City and Guilds 706 1 and 2 or equivalent
• NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
• Detailed Food Hygiene knowledge and knowledge of HACCP systems

Desirable criteria

• Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
• Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to achieve)
• Health and Safety, COSHH, Moving and Handling knowledge

Experience

Essential criteria

• Previous experience of similar cooks duties

Desirable criteria

• Experience in similar size establishment or organisation
• Experience of special dietary needs

Language Requirements

Desirable criteria

• Welsh Speaker (Level 1)