Ward Housekeeper

DenialHost; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Gateshead seeks a dedicated Housekeeper to maintain a clean and safe environment. You will support the nursing staff and ensure high standards of cleanliness and patient comfort. Ideal candidates will have GCSE qualifications in Maths and English, and good communication skills. This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths or equivalent.
• GCSE English or equivalent.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Basic awareness of housekeeping duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.
• Carry out spot cleaning and address spillages swiftly.
• Prepare and serve hot/cold snacks and meals with the nursing team.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work effectively within a team

Basic awareness of housekeeping duties

Education

GCSE Maths or equivalent

GCSE English or equivalent

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Ward 27 is a general surgical 30-bed ward in Gateshead, North East England. The role of Housekeeper is vital to maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients, supporting the nursing team and ensuring high quality care.

About Us

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community services including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care and Bensham Hospital. We employ around 4,800 staff and support 444 hospital beds. Our core values are ICORE: Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement. We value diversity and offer a Balance programme to support staff wellbeing.

Details

Date posted: 12 November 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: 2
Salary: £24,465 per year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 297-7483767-A
Job location: Ward 27 Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and maintaining cleaning standards on the ward.
• Carry out spot cleaning and address spillages swiftly.
• Clean general and specialist equipment, including drip stands, medical instruments and commodes, following cleaning policy.
• Maintain safety and tidiness of the ward, e.g., removing clutter, tidying notice boards and signage.
• Uphold upkeep of patient bed areas.
• Identify cleanliness issues and report to the ward sister.
• Perform specialist surface and furnishing cleaning.
• Clean isolation nursing areas appropriately.
• Encourage and assist patients to order food, considering special needs and medical requirements.
• Prepare and serve hot/cold snacks and meals with the nursing team, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Assist patients with eating and drinking, including cutting food, placing items within reach, and encouraging intake.
• Feed patients as directed by nursing staff.
• Ensure food and beverages are served at correct temperature per food hygiene regulations.
• Prepare eating areas for a pleasant environment.
• Manage ward catering supplies, discarding out‑of‑date food and rotating stock.
• Label and store refrigerated food correctly as per policy.
• Coordinate special meal requirements for discharged or newly admitted patients.
• Ensure patients with unrestricted fluid intake have access to fresh water.
• Monitor service delivery for cleaning, food, linen and environment at agreed frequency.
• Inform the ward sister of monitoring outcomes and agree on action plans.
• Manage the defect call logbook, ensuring defects are logged, reported, recorded and closed.
• Coordinate ad‑hoc maintenance and liaise with other services.
• Perform household maintenance (replace light bulbs, batteries, unblock sinks, etc.) in line with local policy.
• Monitor equipment and ensure repairs are carried out per Trust policy.
• Transport and dispose of clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per policy.
• Clean and prepare beds and handle linen.
• Monitor access, security and use of premises and facilities.
• Respect patient privacy and dignity during housekeeping duties.
• Maintain safety of patient belongings and minimise security breaches.
• Use communication skills to manage aggressive or abusive behaviour.
• Assist visitors, transport equipment, consumables and printed information as required.
• Maintain and update paper‑based records and information.
• Provide general information and maintain confidentiality of patient data.
• Help resolve patient concerns and take appropriate action.
• Stay aware of new food hygiene standards and waste categorisation changes.

Person Specification

Essential

• GCSE Maths or equivalent
• GCSE English or equivalent
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Basic awareness of housekeeping duties

Desirable

• NVQ Qualification
• Previous experience as a housekeeper

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure check will be required to confirm there are no unsuitability findings.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and considered alongside other applications.

Employer Details

Employer name: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Ward 27 Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk