Facilities Support Staff

Princess Alexandra Hospital; Harlow; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust is seeking a flexible Facilities Pool postholder to provide adaptable staffing across housekeeping, domestic services, and portering. You will rotate to support key operational areas and help maintain high standards of patient care.

You will cover Cleaning Services, Ward Catering, Patient Services and transport, liaising with ward and external teams to ensure smooth service delivery and compliance with policies.

Qualifications

• This post will require weekend, early morning, late and night or bank holiday shifts.
• Uniform and all necessary training will be provided, including manual handling, food safety, infection prevention, and waste management.
• Postholders will rotate across areas and must complete core training in portering, domestic, waste, and housekeeping duties.

Responsibilities

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures, and service standards (e.g. National Cleaning Standards 2021, Manual Handling, Infection Prevention & Control, Food Safety).
• Attend mandatory training and participate in team huddles, appraisals, and audits.
• Adapt to new areas or duties at short notice in response to operational needs.
• Deliver day-to-day Cleaning Services, Ward Catering and Patient Services and transport.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with Trust policies.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Be flexible between departments.

Job description

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job overview

This is a flexible support role within the Facilities team, designed to provide adaptable staffing in key operational areas. Postholders will work as part of a centralised Facilities Pool and may be deployed to support housekeeping, domestic services, or portering, depending on service pressures. This model strengthens resilience and ensures critical cover across all key areas.

Example: This role supports the delivery of high-quality patient care by providing Cleaning Services, Ward Catering and Patient Services and transport. The post holder will work closely with colleagues to ensure services run smoothly and efficiently.

Main duties of the job

General Duties (all areas):

• Work in accordance with Trust policies, procedures, and service standards (e.g. National Cleaning Standards 2021, Manual Handling, Infection Prevention & Control, Food Safety).
• Wear uniform and ID badge at all times and represent the department in a professional, courteous manner.
• Attend mandatory training and participate in team huddles, appraisals, and audits.
• Adapt to new areas or duties at short notice in response to operational needs.
• Full training will be provided across all relevant duties.

Example:

• Deliver day-to-day Cleaning Services, Ward Catering and Patient Services and transport
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with Trust policies.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Be flexible between departments

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Housekeeping Duties (Ward-Based Catering Support)

• Serve meals and beverages to patients in line with scheduled breakfast, lunch, supper, and hot drink rounds.
• Collect meal orders and ensure patients receive the correct meals, including specialist dietary requirements.
• Liaise with ward staff and Mealtime Champions to promote patient dignity, support nutrition, and maintain mealtime standards.
• Check food trolley temperatures and report any issues with food quality or service to the supervisor.
• Ensure the ward kitchen areas are kept clean and tidy in accordance with infection control and food hygiene standards.
• Monitor stock levels of ward kitchen supplies and report replenishment needs.

Domestic Duties (Cleaning & Hygiene)

• Carry out scheduled and ad hoc cleaning tasks in clinical and non-clinical areas using approved materials and methods.
• Maintain cleanliness in line with the National Cleaning Standards 2021, completing all required documentation or Synbiotix audit entries.
• Ensure all cleaning equipment is cleaned, stored, and maintained appropriately.
• Replenish consumables such as hand soap, sanitiser, toilet tissue, paper towels, and waste bags.
• Handle waste in line with infection prevention protocols and ensure safe removal to collection points.
• Report any environmental or cleanliness concerns to the supervisor.

Portering & Waste Duties

• Transport patients, specimens, notes, equipment, and meals safely between departments, following infection control and manual handling protocols.
• Respond to jobs via our portering system, Alertive, or radio calls and log all tasks in line with department processes.
• Assist during emergency situations (e.g. cardiac arrests, fire calls) as part of the Trust’s response team when trained.
• Undertake scheduled waste removal, including general, clinical, confidential, and recyclable waste streams, ensuring correct segregation and PPE use.
• Deliver waste to appropriate holding or collection points, following the Trust’s Waste Management Policy.

Additional Information

• This post will require weekend, early morning, late and night or bank holiday shifts.
• Uniform and all necessary training will be provided, including manual handling, food safety, infection prevention, and waste management.
• The post is subject to satisfactory references and occupational health clearance.
• Postholders will rotate across areas and must complete core training in portering, domestic, waste, and housekeeping duties.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.