House Keeper

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK seeks a full-time Housekeeper to maintain cleanliness and organization in a surgical ward. The successful candidate will oversee stock supplies, support clinical nursing teams, and ensure high standards of hygiene. Excellent communication skills are essential. This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic team ensuring safe and welcoming ward conditions for patients and staff.

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness.
• Experience in a similar role preferred.
• Familiarity with stock management and supply ordering.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the ward area.
• Oversee stock and supplies within the ward.
• Assist nursing team and support non-clinical tasks.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to cleanliness

Job description

Mary Moore is a cute surgical ward within the division of surgery, and we are looking to recruit a full-time housekeeper to become a member of our dynamic and welcoming team.

Housekeepers are part of the ward team. You will work under the supervision and direction of the senior ward staff and manager. Working closely with the domestic staff, catering and linen services as well as nursing staff and clinical support staff. As a Housekeeper, you will work in a supportive role, assisting the clinical nursing team to ensure the department runs smoothly.

The core responsibility is maintaining cleanliness and organisation of the ward area, which may include cleaning, tidying, and making sure the ward is organised. Maintaining infection control standards, escalating concerns to estates where appropriate.

House Keepers help make sure the ward is clean, safe, and attractive place for patients and staff. The housekeeper duties are listed fully in the attached job description. However, some of the main duties include:

• Overseeing the stock of all stores within the ward, including online internal ordering.
• Becoming familiar with our stock requirements and the fluctuating stock demands.
• Supporting staff in meeting the nutritional needs of our patients.
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness and tidiness are maintained within both the clinical and non-clinical areas.
• Supporting the team with non-clinical tasks and some clerical duties.
• Liaising with other teams within the trust such as estates and the kitchens regarding repairs or procurement of equipment.

Excellent communication skills are important as you will be liaising with teams throughout the hospital whilst working closely with the nursing team.

Specific responsibilities include:

Stocks and Supplies

• Maintain top-up system by putting away stock as soon as it is delivered to the correct place.
• Manage Laburnum Store Room and ensure it is neat and tidy.
• Order stock that is running low and keep track of stock daily.
• Liaise with top-up technician and check on stock levels of all top-up items.
• Arrange emergency deliveries with ward manager's agreement to avoid shortage of stock.
• Liaise with STERIS representative for the collection and delivery of sterile equipment.

Ward Hygiene

• Oversee and check the cleanliness of the ward area. Inform the ward sister of any problems.
• Liaise with the designated domestic.
• Assist with beds, ward tidying when necessary.
• Cleaning of equipment after use, as per Trust cleaning policy and auditing this.

Indirect Patient Care

• Act as a runner for the ward to collect or deliver goods to other departments where a porter is not available or an item is needed urgently.
• Assist in helping and directing visitors.
• To courteously and effectively receive all ward attendees and telephone enquiries.
• To maintain effective communications at all times.
• Carry out reasonable requests made by the ward sister/matron.

Clerical Responsibilities

• Assist with all clerical and administrative duties as required.
• Organise and maintain patient's property that is stored on the ward or that is left behind.
• Inform the ward sister and arrange for property to be collected or posted as necessary.
• To participate in departmental meetings.
• Cover for Ward Clerk when required and greet visitors to the ward.
• To participate in the appraisal of own performance, identifying training and development needs.
• Maintain clear and accurate records.

Linen

• Maintain supply of linen and ensure that the ward has adequate levels. Liaise with the linen services department, with the agreement of the ward sister.
• Keep linen cupboard neat and tidy to allow efficient top-up.

Repair

• Inform maintenance of any repair works that are needed to be carried out on the ward, with the knowledge of the ward sister, using the correct escalation process.
• Keep a record of any requisitions, job completion and outcome, liaising with the ward co-ordinator.
• Carry out monthly checks of all beds and mattresses. Record and report to the ward sister if any problems.

As an employee of St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, you will be part of a team that cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to ensuring that our workforce is representative of the diverse population we serve.