Catering Assistant; Patient Services

Catering Assistant (Patient Meals Services)

The closing date is 20 February 2026

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.

• 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 as required, supporting patient meal delivery, refreshments, and special dietary needs.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, working effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Work well under pressure in a fast‑paced environment, consistently delivering a high standard of customer care and a compassionate, patient‑focused service.
• Assume associated cleaning duties, including cleaning of trolleys, equipment, work areas, and ward pantries in line with infection control and food hygiene policies.

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 2nd March

Contact: Natasha Faber, Patients Meal Service Manager,

General requirements include the ability to work independently and as part of a team, good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.

The Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We recognise the advantages of a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and “At Risk” status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family‑friendly policies.

• 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
• Access to comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, wellbeing activities and groups.
• Extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and options for technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.
• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including a nursery onsite at Exeter.
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required.

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust