Catering Assistant; Patient services

Catering Assistant (Patient meals services)

The closing date is 13 January 2026.

Working within the Catering Department, the post holder will be required to support the Patient Meal Service under appropriate supervision and in accordance with established policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Assist with the loading, transportation, and delivery of meal trolleys throughout the hospital, ensuring food is served safely, at the correct temperature, and on time.

Prepare salads and fresh produce in line with food hygiene standards, including washing, cutting, portioning, and presentation requirements.

Work within the main kitchen wash‑up area, ensuring crockery, utensils, and kitchen equipment are cleaned and sanitised to required standards.

Provide food and beverage services across all ward areas.

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state‑of‑the‑art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

It's never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you'll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

The post holder will be required to work both on the wards and within the Patient Meal Service kitchen, supporting the delivery of a high‑quality catering service to patients.

Responsibilities include serving and delivering all food and beverage requirements to patients on the wards, ensuring meals are provided in a timely, safe, and courteous manner.

The post holder will be required to load, transport, and return meal trolleys, ensuring correct handling, temperature control, and food safety standards are maintained at all times.

Associated cleaning duties will be undertaken, including cleaning of trolleys, equipment, work areas, and ward pantries in line with infection control and food hygiene policies.

The post holder is expected to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, working effectively as part of a team and independently when required.

The ability to work well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment is essential, while consistently delivering a high standard of customer care and a compassionate, patient‑focused service.

Working Pattern: 30 hours per week. Working 2 out of 3 weekends – hours are 10:30‑6.30 on wards or if in kitchen 8‑4 pm and 12‑8 pm.

Interview Date: Week of the 19th January 2026.

For further information please contact: Natasha Faber, Patient Meal Service Manager on