Ward Host

Berry Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Berry Recruitment Group is recruiting for Southampton General Hospital to fill Ward Host positions. The role supports the patient dining team, coordinating meals and drinks according to the ward timing schedule, while upholding high hygiene standards and a courteous patient experience.

The successful candidate will operate the tablet ordering system, maintain menus, and assist with beverage service and food safety compliance in a busy ward environment.

Qualifications

• DBS is required for this role.
• Good basic reading and writing skills.
• Understanding of health & safety guidelines.
• Experience in a food service/catering environment preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication abilities.
• Knowledge of hygiene and dietary considerations for patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide meals, snacks and beverages to patients at scheduled times.
• Take food orders using a tablet ordering system for lunch and dinner.
• Maintain bedside menus and special/therapeutic menus.
• Prepare beverages and load appropriate trolley and equipment.
• Ensure ward kitchen and serving areas are clean and hygienic.
• Monitor fridge/freezer temps and report issues.
• Support hygiene and safety standards and interact courteously with patients and staff.
• Carry out ad hoc duties as required by supervisor.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Food service

Hygiene awareness

Education

Basic Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene

Job description

Berry Recruitment have an exciting opportunity recruiting for Southampton General Hospital. We are looking for Ward Hosts to start ASAP on the shift Monday to Friday 14:30-19:00 or Monday to Friday 15:00 - 6:30. Training to commence 9th December 2026

You will be an integral part of the Ward patient dining team, ensuring high quality service is provided to the patients. You will be responsible for the co-ordination of the patient meal and beverage services in accordance with the Ward Timing Schedule. You will contribute and organise the maintenance of a hygienic and clean environment for patients, staff and visitors to ensure the highest standards are met at all times.

Duties to include:

• To ensure that patients are provided with appropriate meals, snacks and beverages at the agreed intervals throughout the day.
• Taking food orders using the tablet electronic ordering system at the agreed time for lunch and supper each day.
• Maintain bedside menus are in good condition and cleaned daily. To maintain the suite of special and therapeutic menus and present to patient who require them.
• To prepare hot / cold beverages including load appropriate trolley / equipment and ensure that all beverages are served at the correct temperature according to food hygiene regulations.
• Load regeneration ovens as necessary and monitor and record food temperatures.
• To ensure that at the end of every meal and beverage service that all cutlery, crockery and condiments are removed from the patient areas.
• To wash utensils used in the preparation, regeneration and serving of food and beverages including the cutlery, trays and crockery used for patients
• To ensure the ward kitchen hygiene standards are maintained.
• To monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures daily in accordance with food safety regulations and report problems as appropriate.
• To ensure patients whose fluid intake is not medically restricted have access to fresh drinking water, 2 water jug changes per day, including ad hoc top ups.
• To maintain food safety and hygiene standards in your place of work and apply the food safety procedures applicable in your work area.
• Demonstrate high standards of courteous interaction with patients and Trust staff to optimise patient food and beverage consumption.
• Undertake any other ad hoc duties as prescribed by your Team Leader / Supervisor / Manager and within scope of skill and capability.

The successful candidate:

Essential:

• STANDARD DBS IS REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE
• Good Basic Education including reading and writing skills
• Basic Health & Safety
• Working within a food service environment / catering industry
• Customer service skills including clear verbal communication
• Understand the importance of hygiene and safety and special diet awareness

Desirable:

• Level 2 Food Hygiene
• An understanding of COSHH

Also required:

• Flexibility and adaptability
• Good organisation skills
• A ‘can do’ attitude
• Ability to work effectively alone and as part of the team
• Present a professional image
• Ability to work within a busy and warm environment
• Ability to work under pressureAbility to follow departmental regulations and assimilate training
• Flexible approach to working schedules
• Efficient attention to detail

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. All applicants will be considered on the basis of their skills, experience, qual