Housekeeper - Emergency Department

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Poole seeks a part-time Housekeeper for the Emergency Department. The role involves welcoming patients, supporting meal delivery, and maintaining a clean environment while working as part of a dedicated team. Candidates should possess a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate and have prior experience in a caring role. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. This position offers a comprehensive insight into hospital operations and the chance to make a positive impact on patient experience.

Qualifications

• Must possess a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or be willing to undertake the course.
• Experience working with the public is required.
• Experience in a hospital or ward setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and visitors, ensuring a courteous and helpful atmosphere.
• Maintain hydration and meal delivery within the Emergency Department.
• Transport equipment and respond to general requests for information.

Skills

Effective communication skills – both written and verbal

Ability to work as part of a team

Experience of working in a caring environment

Ability to work in a demanding environment

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Training in Infection Control

Job description

Housekeeper - Emergency Department

Closing date: 29 December 2025

We are looking to recruit a new member to the emergency Department at University Dorset Hospitals Foundation Trust within the Poole Hospital Site, to assist in all aspects of a Housekeeper role part time.

The successful applicant should be able to manage own workload and work with minimal supervision. Self‑motivated individuals who can integrate quickly with a highly successful team are key factors of the post. Excellent team skills and flexibility are essential combined with strong interpersonal skills.

Please note if you previously applied and were not successful we will not be able to reconsider your application within 3 months.

Please note we can not offer Sponsorship for this position.

Base Location: Poole

Interview Date: 6th January 2026

Main duties of the job

• Welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the wards, liaising with other staff as appropriate
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect and in keeping with the UHD values
• Maintain a courteous and helpful manner at all times
• Explain the hospital/unit facilities that are available
• Escort patients to the relevant departments as requested by the senior nurse
• Ensure hydration and meal delivery within the Emergency Department
• Transport equipment, consumables and written information as required
• Respond to general requests for information
• Receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality
• Assist patients where appropriate with general errands and support e.g. reading cars, posting letters

About us

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.

Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and personal specification for further information on this position.

Qualifications

• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate (or willingness to undertake course)
• Training in Infection Control

Experience

• Experience of working with the public
• Experience of hospital/ward work
• Experience of working in a caring environment
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work in a demanding environment
• Effective communication skills – both written and verbal
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and prioritise tasks

Other role‑specific requirements

• Ability to undertake safe clinical manual handling within the limitations of the role
• Compliance with Trust Medical requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust