Ward Housekeeper

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 patients 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 thepatients 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 patients 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.