Patient Catering Assistant - GGH

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

The closing date is 03 March 2026

The role of the Patient Catering Assistant is to carry out duties within the chilled production and wash up areas in the main kitchen as required. Providing a high standard patient meal service, in a professional and responsive manner, meeting the needs of the patients. Preparation and regeneration of Meals at ward level on a daily basis.

• Communicate and liaise effectively with patients, work colleagues, managers and with clinical teams in accordance with Trust values.
• Working flexibly within the catering team
• Ensure HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) temperature control and correct storage etc is adhered to.
• Observe confidentiality of patients and when employing Trust's business at all times.
• Working as part of a team
• Good stock rotation which has been checked for dates and quality of food items and quarantining any food items that have been identified and reporting any issues to your Team Lead.
• Having and maintaining good relationships and communication with Clinical Services working together to provide a high quality Patient Catering service.
• Demonstrate good hygiene practices.

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years ).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,
• being a great place to work,
• partnerships for impact,
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,
• we are proud,
• we are inclusive, and
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

General Duties

Visiting Wards and collecting meal orders directly from patients using an electronic collation system (SAFFRON) by the means of a hand-held tablet

Delivering meals to wards/departments via trolleys, Regen Ovens and in Cam carts in the set time frame for the patient meal service.

Collection of dirty and used cutlery in/on trolleys or Cam Carts in a timely manner.

When required assisting with meal service at ward level, using the I-Wave Steamplicity

Minimal food preparation as required in the main production kitchen.

Working in the wash up area of the kitchen, using a machine dish wash and also manually washing up when required.

Working within chilled areas and in wet environments.

Able to accurately record and monitor temperatures to required frequencies.

Ensuring that foods are checked for suitability for special diets.

Reporting any faults or defects of equipment or kitchen area to your supervisor, ensuring that any equipment is taken out of use and labelled do not use.

Picking and packing and preparation of patient meal trays for meal service, adhering to Trust Food Safety Management Policies and Procedures at all times when required.

Responsibility for ensuring the high standards of cleanliness is maintained throughout the work area adhering to Trust policies and procedures.

To carry out cleaning tasks, both specific and generic, to prescribed work schedules for designated areas, in line with Trust policies and procedures.

To adhere to Trust Infection Control Prevention and Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) policies in carrying out cleaning tasks.

To adhere to the Trust colour coding system to prevent cross infection.

Ensuring the correct and economical use of materials and cleaning chemicals seeking advice from the Team Lead if in any doubt.

To remove and dispose of food, cardboard, and household waste adhering to Waste regulations and Trust policies and procedures.

Ensure all equipment is cleaned after use and stored securely. Ensure all cleaning products are stored securely.

Report to your Team Lead any incidents, accidents,…