Ward Hostess
- NHS
- Full Time
- Gillingham
- 23615.00 an hour
Job Description
Job summary
To provide a comprehensive Hostess Service to the wards, to include the preparation and distribution of all meals and beverages to the patients, adhering to Food Hygiene and Infection Control.
Main duties of the job
1. Meal Preparation and Distribution:
Prepare and distribute all patient meals and beverages following dietary requirements.
Coordinate with nursing staff to understand patient-specific dietary needs, such as allergens, texture-modified meals, or cultural preferences.
Ensure food presentation is appealing and portions are correctly allocated as per guidelines
About us
Working within the Medway Trust Patient Feeding Team is a rewarding experience that centres on providing high-quality, nutritious meals to patients. The team collaborates closely with healthcare professionals to meet diverse dietary needs while ensuring safety and hygiene standards are upheld. Every member plays a vital role in enhancing patient well-being by delivering compassionate, person-centred care during mealtimes. Ongoing training, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement ensure that patient feeding services remain efficient, responsive, and aligned with NHS best practices. The positive impact on patient recovery and satisfaction makes this role both fulfilling and essential to healthcare delivery.
By expanding the roles and responsibilities outlined above, the Trust ensures a high standard of patient care, enhances team efficiency, and maintains adherence to food safety and infection control protocols.
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
1. Meal Preparation and Distribution:
Prepare and distribute all patient meals and beverages following dietary requirements.
Coordinate with nursing staff to understand patient-specific dietary needs, such as allergens, texture-modified meals, or cultural preferences.
Ensure food presentation is appealing and portions are correctly allocated as per guidelines.
2. Hygiene and Infection Control:
Follow strict infection control protocols, including proper use of PPE during meal services.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, and serving areas.
Ensure daily temperature checks for food items and storage areas, accurately documenting findings.
3. Communication and Co-ordination:
Act as a liaison between patients, nursing staff, and catering teams to communicate meal-related information.
Engage with patients politely to accommodate their meal choices while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Report any concerns regarding patient nutrition or meal consumption to clinical staff.
4. Equipment and Maintenance Duties:
Operate, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment such as regeneration trolleys, dishwashers, and refrigerators.
Perform daily, weekly, and monthly checks on equipment functionality, reporting faults immediately.
Ensure all cleaning and maintenance tasks are documented and logged.
5. Patient-Centred Service:
Provide compassionate and attentive meal services, prioritising patient comfort and satisfaction.
Regularly check with patients about their meal experience to address any issues promptly.
Support patients with feeding where appropriate, as per training and patient consent.
6. Administrative and Compliance Tasks:
Complete daily documentation for food safety, cleaning schedules, and temperature records.
Stay updated with Trust policies on food safety, infection prevention, and safeguarding.
Attend regular training sessions to maintain compliance with NHS standards and regulations.
7. Health and Safety Responsibilities:
Identify and report potential hazards, including faulty equipment or food safety concerns.
Ensure personal adherence to Trust's health and safety policies.
Participate in Trust-led safety drills and inspections.
8. Team Collaboration:
Work closely with housekeeping, nursing staff, and catering teams to provide seamless meal service.
Contribute to team meetings, sharing insights for service improvements.
Support new staff by demonstrating proper protocols and providing on-the-job guidance.
9. Patient Engagement and Satisfaction:
Develop positive rapport with patients to make mealtimes pleasant.
Communicate meal options clearly and assist patients in making informed choices.
Respond promptly to patient feedback regarding food service, escalating concerns when necessary.
10. Continuous Improvement:
Participate in audits and service reviews to identify potential improvements.
Stay informed about new meal service methods, equipment, and patient care practices.
Engage in training sessions that promote best practices and innovative approaches in patient feeding.
Additional Duties:Conduct pre-shift checks to ensure all equipment and supplies are ready.
Assist with stock management, including receiving and storing food deliveries.
Maintain professional appearance in line with Trust's uniform policy.
Uphold the Trust's values by delivering services with respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.
Person Specification
Job Specification
Essential
- NHS Experience
- Literate
Desirable
- Level 1 Food Safety Course
- Level 1 Food Allergens Course
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Medway NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Medway Maritime Hospital
Windmill Road
Gillingham, Kent
ME7 5NY
