Ward Nutrition & Food Service Assistant

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bedford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Ward Housekeeper to support patient meal service across wards in Bedfordshire. You will liaise with ward dietitians, support fortification of foods, and ensure patient meals are delivered accurately and on time.

The role involves supervising meal preparation, maintaining hygiene standards, and coordinating with nursing staff to record intake and manage special diets. Travel between sites may be required.

Responsibilities

• Explain the menu system to new patients and liaise on a daily basis with the patients and family members regarding meal preferences and appetites, taking into account any cultural and religious choices.
• To encourage and assist patients to order food, where necessary taking into account special dietary needs and medical requirements.
• To liaise closely with the ward dietitian and ensure appropriate fortification of foods at ward level, as detailed by the dietitian.
• To ensure that each patient receives their chosen meal, have any assistance they require to eat and drink (red tray/beaker system) and to record food intake on food record charts, in conjunction with nursing staff.
• To ensure all food and beverages are served at the correct temperature in accordance with Food Hygiene Regulations.
• Ensure all patients’ menu cards are filled in correctly, collated and delivered to the menu clerk on a daily basis.
• In conjunction with nursing staff collate information of special diets and update the ward kitchen nutrition information board on a daily basis.
• To prepare and serve meals from the ward kitchen in conjunction with the nursing/midwifery team and at the appropriate times in accordance with the Trust’s "Protected Mealtime" system.
• Collect crockery and cutlery and in conjunction with ward domestic ensure that all equipment/utensils used in the preparation, consumption and service of meals are washed to correct hygiene standards.
• To prepare and serve hot/cold snacks (e.g. toast) as requested – offering a 24-hour snack service.
• To take responsibility for the ward kitchen ensuring it is clean at all times in accordance with daily, weekly and periodic cleaning schedules (includes equipment: fixed and mobile)
• To ensure refrigerated food is labelled and stored correctly as per policy e.g. discarding out-of-date food, rotating stock.
• To ensure in conjunction with the nursing staff that discharged and newly admitted patient’s meal requirements are actioned.
• To co-ordinate extra meal requirements/special diets with the diet chef and dietitian, as necessary.
• Order daily provisions using the requisition book to agreed stock levels from the catering stores.
• Inform the ward manager of replacement crockery, cutlery and food service/storage equipment requirements.

Job description

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Ward Housekeeper to support patient meal service across wards in Bedfordshire. You will liaise with ward dietitians, support fortification of foods, and ensure patient meals are delivered accurately and on time.

The role involves supervising meal preparation, maintaining hygiene standards, and coordinating with nursing staff to record intake and manage special diets. Travel between sites may be required.