Band 2 Housekeeper ACCU - Harefield Hospital

Part time - 30 hours per week (Mon - Fri (08:00 - 14:00) - Hours can be discussed at interview)

The post holder will work as an integral part of the ward team. They will undertake housekeeping duties and work closely with the modern matron, ward sisters, nurse in charge and the ACCU team to facilitate safe, effective day to day running of the ward, supporting clinical staff to deliver direct care to patients.

The post holder will carry out assigned duties and work closely, communicate effectively with contractors, support services and all other departments. They will monitor quality standards, be actively involved in stock management/supplies, report deficiencies and take appropriate action to ensure the ward environment is maintained in an excellent condition.

• Patient/customer care (both direct and indirect).
• To welcome patients, carers and visitors to the ward and promote a welcoming environment.
• To explain to patients and visitors the ward layout, routines and facilities, including visiting times, accommodation etc.
• To ensure families and visitors are aware of refreshment facilities within the hospital.
• To be aware of and support Infection Control policy's and procedures being implemented and maintained.
• To electronically order, maintain and distribute adequate levels of stock/supplies from various internal and external departments.
• To report, store/return faulty equipment and ensure all equipment is labelled and cleaned
• To manage and maintain the safety of patients property in accordance with Trust Policy.

ACCU is made up of Oak and Acorn ward. It has the capacity for 50 beds/Trolleys across both units and has predominately cardiology patients.

You will work as part of a large team to ensure the running of the ward, keeping everything organised and ready to ensure the patients journey is the best it can be.

• To carry out monitoring of service delivery especially related to cleaning, food, linen, maintenance and the environment at the agreed frequency.
• To inform the ward sister of outcomes of monitoring and agree action plans ensuring action is taken.
• Maintain, allocate and keep accurate and up to date records of staff lockers.
• Keep an inventory of all ward equipment
• Arrange and organise store rooms/treatment room/racking/cupboards and relabel/rearrange as necessary.
• Maintain ward environment areas and equipment in it which are not limited to but include coffee rooms, store rooms/cupboards and linen room.
• To ensure all maintenance defects are logged, reported and followed up.
• To monitor and co-ordinate other ad-hoc maintenance, liasing with the support service helpdesk as required for other services.
• Ensure that Trust policy for waste disposal is adhered to.
• Assisting in handling linen, monitoring linen stocks and to ensure sufficient stocks are available at all times.
• To monitor the access, security and use of premises and facilities, ensuring that risks to health and safety are reduced at all times.
• To take responsibility for ensuring clear signage is provided that is up to date and well presented.
• To ensure specialist cleaning of surfaces and furnishings is undertaken.
• To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the ward sister.
• To carry out spot cleaning to ensure spillages are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
• To ensure the ward is safe and tidy at all times e.g. remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc.
• Hand hygiene: To ensure that supplies of hand cleaning solutions/alcohol rubs are constantly available in the ward and topped up as necessary.
• To participate in weekly cleaning audits, alongside a cleaning supervisor.
• To ensure general and specialist equipment e.g. drip stands and commodes are cleaned in accordance with Trust Infection Control policy on decontamination of equipment in direct patient care.
• To monitor isolation-nursing areas are cleaned in accordance with Trust Infection control policy on the cleaning of isolation rooms.
• Ensure levels of surgical supplies are maintained and storage areas tidy at all times.

Communication

• Ensure that the catering department is informed of discharged and newly admitted patients’ meal requirement. This must be undertaken in conjunction with ward staff.
• To be sensitive to patients requirements and complaints ensuring that they are channelled to the ward Sister or PALS office, in accordance with the Trust policy on complaints.
• To co-ordinate the work and activities of other staff at ward level, e.g. cleaners, porters, maintenance staff, security etc.
• To assist with the orientation of staff involved with domestic services into ward routines.
• Report untoward incidents and any other relevant information to a registered nurse immediately.

Other duties

• To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested.

This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not exhaustive. It will be subject to regular review and amendment as necessary in consultation with the post holder.

• To abide by the Trust’s Core behaviours for staff and all other Trust policies, codes and practices including standing financial instructions, research governance, clinical governance, patient and public involvement, codes and practices, and health and safety.