Hospital Catering Assistant - Patient Meal Service

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Catering Assistant to join the busy main kitchen, handling plate assembly, service to patients and staff, and meal distribution across wards. You will support dishwashing, clearing trolleys and maintaining high hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires basic reading/writing, a willingness to learn Food Hygiene training within 12 weeks, and adherence to food safety policies including HACCP and Natasha's Law.

Qualifications

• Experience in catering and ability to work in a busy kitchen.
• Willing to complete Food Hygiene training within first 12 weeks of employment.
• Willing to obtain Level 2 Food Hygiene certification if not already held.

Responsibilities

• Serving meals for patients or staff and other customers as required.
• Compliance with Catering Department Services and Hygiene & Quality Standards.
• Attractive presentation of all food items served.
• Correct and consistent portion control.
• Meet the physical tempo of work and service deadlines.
• Assist in basic preparation and portioning of foods including salads, sandwiches, fruits and snacks.
• Record times and temperatures of foods as required (HACCP).
• Report any items not at satisfactory temperature/standard to supervisor.
• Store and rotate refrigerated items correctly with date codes.
• Move and handle trolleys and equipment safely within areas.
• Clear and clean crockery, utensils, and premises to high cleanliness standards.
• Operate dishwashing machinery safely and effectively.
• Follow COSHH, safety and hygiene procedures at all times.
• Dress code and personal hygiene standards must be observed.
• Comply with food safety and personal hygiene codes, Natasha's Law for Allergens.

Skills

Catering experience

Food safety knowledge

HACCP knowledge

COSHH awareness

Manual handling

Teamwork

Reading & writing

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate

Tools

Dishwashing machine

Food service equipment

Waste disposal equipment

Job description

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking a Catering Assistant to join the busy main kitchen, handling plate assembly, service to patients and staff, and meal distribution across wards. You will support dishwashing, clearing trolleys and maintaining high hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires basic reading/writing, a willingness to learn Food Hygiene training within 12 weeks, and adherence to food safety policies including HACCP and Natasha's Law.