Ward Housekeeper | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

We currently have a vacancy for a full-time ward housekeeper on the Bone Infection Unit at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington. We are a 25 bedded unit specialising in limb reconstruction, complex bone infections and many other orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Applicants must have previous experience in catering or hospitality. The focus of the role is to ensure that the ward is clean and tidy, well maintained, and that clinical staff are supported in order that they can focus on the care and treatment of patients. They will also be responsible for ensuring that all patients’ dietary requirements are met, this includes updating our patient record system with any relevant information concerning nursing care.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a busy and unpredictable environment and can use their initiative, but who likes working in a team.

The successful candidate would be required to work a set pattern of 06:30 until 14:30 Monday to Friday.

To work as an integral part of the ward team to provide and ensure a high quality service to patients that ensures their needs are satisfied and ward requirements are met.

To ensure the appropriate and effective delivery of facilities services in order to properly maintain the patient environment and keep the ward area clean and tidy.

To serve patients with meals and drinks at regular designated times.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trustis one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here www.ouh.nhs.uk

The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel.

Patient Responsibilities

To liaise with the cleaning contractor/in-house housekeeping services/Monitoring Officers to ensure that cleaning standards on the Wards meet the agreed specification and any unsatisfactory areas are rectified.

To work effectively with the cleaning and catering staff as well as their supervisors to ensure that standards and policies are met.

To liaise with the nursing and team regarding the patient’s day, ensuring that work is planned in the most appropriate way to provide a prioritised patient focused and seamless service.

To ensure, in conjunction with the ward co-ordinator, that patients are provided with appropriate beverages at regular intervals throughout the day.

To ensure that all patients have completed menu cards, giving assistance where necessary, and ensuring appropriate selections are made dependent on the patient’s dietary requirements. Ensure that the menus are returned to the catering department by the required time.

To ensure, in conjunction with the catering department that patient meals are served in a presentable and timely manner and that appropriate cutlery and condiments are supplied, as well as ensuring supplements are given to the patients/stored appropriately.

To ensure that all meal tables and eating areas are suitably prepared for meal times and to make sure they are wiped clean at the end of each meal.

To offer assistance to patients before and after meals to cleanse their hands.

To ensure patients have an appropriate supply of drinking water and a clean glass.

To physically ensure that patients can reach their food and assist patients as necessary e.g. removing lids and cutting up food where requied.

To maintain patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times.

Environmental Responsibilities

To establish a programme for the planned changing of curtains in bays (of appropriate length to maintain dignity), side rooms and windows, ensuring that spares are available. Change curtains on an ad-hoc basis as required for infection control purposes.

To ensure that patient’s lockers, tables and chairs are clean and free of litter/clutter at all times.

To clean medical equipment as required in conjunction with nursing staff. Ensure that all patient equipment (e.g. hoist slings) are kept clean and in a usable condition.

To monitor the general ward environment, co-ordinate necessary repairs and maintain records of reported defects and remedial action taken. Following agreed training, change spent light bulbs in angle poised over bed lamps.

To ensure that following discharge of a patient, the bed area and locker is cleaned and the bed re-made in preparation for incoming patients e.g. soap and paper towels are replenished, and general tidying of all areas.

To take responsibility for the hygiene standards within the ward kitchen, and any fridges and microwaves are cleaned. To monitor fridge temperatures and take corrective action where necessary. Ensure any food in ward fridges is labelled, dated and disposed of if not correctly labelled/out of date.

To establish a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere and environment for patients, visitors and staff alike, including up to date posters, information and leaflets.

To ensure all waste disposal bins are kept in good condition and are cleaned to ensure no cross infection, are not rusty and have slow noiseless closing.

This advert closes on Monday 15 Jun 2026

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