Clinical Housekeeper

Job title:

Clinical Housekeeper

Company

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesInfection control

• Decontamination monitoring across all areas pertaining to non-ward equipment to ensure that is kept visibly clean during it’s use and prior to return to either the bed store or the equipment library
• Logging all additional equipment in use on the wards from external areas i.e. bed store, equipment library
• To ensure equipment to be returned for reprocessing is stored safely.
• Environmental monitoring using tools at hand and liaising with Cleaning Contractors on their weekly inspection
• Monitoring ward equipment checks for visible identification of decontamination (commodes, suction, drip stands etc)
• Delivering regular education to ward staff on the correct methods of decontamination
• To ensure the department is safe and tidy at all times, e.g., remove clutter, tidy notice boards, signage etc.
• To identify any problems with cleanliness and report to the Divisional Supervisor and Ward Manager or Matron
• To ensure specialist cleaning of surfaces and furnishings.
• To identify patients with infection due to be discharge and over isolation nursing areas are cleaned appropriately.
• To ensure that all dannicentres and alcohol gel containers are kept filled

Catering

• To ensure that light refreshments are available for patients if required, in accordance with National policy/standard
• To provide eating assistance, e.g., cutting up food, placing food within reach, encouraging patients to eat, as guided by the nursing staff.
• To assist nursing staff with hot/cold beverages including appropriate trolley/equipment.
• To ensure a pleasant environment for patients is maintained where food and beverages are served/consumed.
• To liaise with the nursing staff in notifying the catering department of discharged, transferred and newly admitted patients’ meal requirements.
• To co-ordinate extra meal requirements that may arise.
• Monitoring of catering standards.

Maintaining the Environment

• As part of the ward team the housekeeper will ensure the continual provision of the highest possible standards of service.
• Participate in the audit and use of environmental checklists as requested.
• Report environmental repairs and follow up outstanding work as necessary.
• To inform Line Managers of outcomes of monitoring and agree action plans ensuring action is taken.
• Ensure requests through the Housekeeping Monitoring Form are logged, reported, recorded and closed down as appropriate.
• To monitor and co-ordinate other ad hoc maintenance, liaising with the support service helpdesk as required for other services.
• If required, transport clinical, domestic and confidential waste as per policy to the disposal area (Dirty Utility).
• To minimise the potential for adverse behaviour and security breaches.

Communication

• Work with the ward sister and Ward receptionist in the monitoring and maintaining of the ward database system
• To communicate varied and complicated information (verbally and in writing) in a way that is understood and gets the important facts across.
• Ensure that Patient information/ literature is available.
• To maintain and update paper based records and information as required.
• To respond to requests for general information.
• To receive and pass on information to others, maintaining confidentiality.
• To use communication skills to manage any abusive or aggressive behaviour.
• To receive complaints ensuring the relevant department are aware (PALS & Patient Services).
• To be aware and implement any new policies and standards including Food Hygiene, Waste Categorisation, Infection Control, Cleaning etc.

Quality and Audit

• To form part of a team undertaking quality audits including Hand Hygiene, Environment, Suction and documentation as directed by the Ward Manager
• To assist in the delivery of patient surveys in conjunction with the Patient & Public Involvement Manager.
• To maintain the staff notice boards ensuring that the current performance and audit data is displayed
• To actively support the process of risk management – ensure incidents are reported appropriately and helping identify ways of preventing errors and accidents to both patients and staff.
• Take an active role in the Ward’s Clinical Governance Strategy, participating in audit, aiding with data collection and attending Governance meetings.

General

• To ensure patients have adequate supplies to meet their basic needs, e.g. toiletries as required.
• To ensure stock levels are maintained as directed by the Ward Manager.
• To assist people with accessing and interpreting written information, e.g., cards and letters.
• To communicate effectively with people.
• To respond to health emergencies as appropriate.
• To act appropriately on all information, problem solving and finding solutions wherever possible.
• Use initiative to work independently.
• To maintain strict confidentiality of patient records at all times in line with the hospital code of practice.
• To observe the rules, policies and procedures of King’s College Hospital.
• The post-holder must act in such a way as to promote a positive image of King’s College Hospital at all times.
• To undertake any other duties as compatible with the grade.

Person specificationExperienceEssential criteria

• Good communication skills
• Ability to use and learn other software packages, i.e. Excel or Patient Administration System (PAS)
• Ability to express an understanding of the key principles of infection control

Desirable criteria

• Previous NHS experience
• Working knowledge of medical terminology

Employer certification / accreditation badgesApplicant requirementsThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.Documents to download

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 288.4KB)
• Princess Royal (PRUH) Site map (PDF, 1.4MB)
• Candidate Brochure PRUH & SOUTH SITES (PDF, 182.0KB)

Expected salary

Location

Orpington, Greater London

Job date

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 22:07:22 GMT

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