Housekeeper - Teenage & Young Adult Cancer Care

About the Role

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for the role of Housekeeper within the Teenage & Young Adult (TYA) team. This vital position helps establish a clean, safe, and hospitable environment for young patients undergoing cancer and haematology treatments. You will collaborate closely with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, domestic, and catering staff to facilitate the smooth day-to-day ward operations, enhancing the patient and family experience during their stay.

As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, your responsibilities include overseeing various non-clinical services such as ward cleanliness, stock and equipment management, supporting food and beverage provision, and maintaining safe, comfortable, and well-organised patient areas. Your efforts enable clinical teams to concentrate on delivering quality care while upholding the Trust’s high standards of cleanliness, safety, and patient satisfaction. The position reports to the Ward Manager and works alongside the broader Cancer Care team to deliver compassionate, quality care to teenagers and young adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the ward environment remains clean, safe, and inviting by regularly monitoring cleanliness standards and preparing patient areas and equipment for use.
• Manage non-clinical ward operations including stock control, ordering supplies, refrigerator checks, maintenance reporting, and liaising with domestic and catering departments.
• Assist patients by preparing drinks and snacks, supporting meal times, securely managing patient possessions, and providing chaperone support as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with the multidisciplinary team to maintain efficient ward operations while meeting health and safety, confidentiality, and patient experience benchmarks.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum GCSE level education (or equivalent).
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to obtain this qualification.
• Experience in customer service, demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a caring and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently using initiative and collaboratively within a team.
• Housekeeping experience and knowledge of manual handling or COSHH are advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Information

• Applicants must be flexible to work various shifts including weekends and bank holidays.
• The role requires Enhanced DBS clearance and NHS pre-employment screening.

Person Specification

• Essential: GCSE education level or equivalent, customer service experience, Basic Food Hygiene certification or willingness to complete, ability to work autonomously.
• Desirable: prior housekeeping experience, knowledge or training in manual handling and COSHH.

Trust Values

• Commitment to putting patients first.
• Emphasis on teamwork and collaborative working.
• Focus on continuous improvement in all aspects of care delivery.

Work Environment & Location

Located in Southampton, one of England's largest acute teaching hospitals, the role benefits from excellent learning and development prospects within a supportive and diverse environment. The area offers convenient transport links and proximity to natural attractions.

Equal Opportunities

The Trust is dedicated to creating an inclusive, anti-racist, and non-discriminatory workplace that values diversity and ensures all staff feel respected, safe, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.