Service Assistants

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Service Assistant to join our team on Pyrland Ward. Pyrland Wards 1 & 2 are two 14-bed inpatient wards serving communities across Somerset. Pyrland Ward 1 provides assessment and treatment for older adults aged 65 and over, while Pyrland Ward 2 provides specialist assessment and treatment for older adults living with dementia. In this varied and rewarding role, you will play a vital part in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and colleagues. Working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, you will help ensure high standards of cleanliness, safety, and comfort, contributing to the delivery of excellent patient care. You will work closely with the Facilities Team Leader, ward staff, and other colleagues to deliver high standards of cleanliness and support core ward services. Service Assistants within the hospital play a key role in our ongoing fight against hospital acquired infections by ensuring that the ward is cleaned on a regular basis to a consistently high standard and make a valuable contribution in the wider care team that supports a patient during their time in hospital. If you are reliable, motivated, and passionate about supporting patient care, we would love to hear from you. The post involves working shifts and weekends on a rotational basis. No previous experience is necessary as applicants will be fully trained in all requirements of the job. Main duties of the job Your day-to-day work will involve maintaining high standards of cleanliness across a range of areas and shared spaces. By following National Cleaning Standards and infection control procedures, you'll help protect patients and staff and take real pride in the difference your work makes. Mealtimes are an important part of patient care, and you'll support this by preparing, reheating, and serving meals in a safe and thoughtful way. Working to Food Hygiene and HACCP guidelines, you'll help ensure patients receive nutritious meals in a calm, caring atmosphere. You'll take responsibility for monitoring equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring that cleaning products and food items are safely stored and available when needed. Keeping the ward running smoothly also means handling waste appropriately-whether clinical, recyclable, or general waste-and helping with laundry duties and putting away deliveries. You'll collaborate closely with colleagues, attend meetings, and contribute to a supportive and positive working environment. You'll have opportunities to develop your skills, with training provided in areas such as infection control, food hygiene, and manual handling, as well as the chance to work towards qualifications like an NVQ in Housekeeping. Because this is a mental health ward, patients may occasionally be distressed or display challenging behaviour, but you'll be supported by experienced nursing staff and play an important role in helping maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere.,

• Follow a planned and methodical cleaning schedule to ensure all ward areas--including bathrooms, bedrooms, lounges, offices, patios and entrances--are cleaned to high standards.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, pleasant, and recovery focused environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• Support the delivery of the ward's food and beverage service, including reheating frozen meals, preparing vegetables, serving meals, and managing washing-up duties (full training provided).
• Safely store, use, and maintain cleaning equipment and products in line with COSHH and Trust policies.
• Carry out routine and deep cleaning tasks as required, including infection control related cleaning following outbreaks.
• Accurately complete required documentation, including cleaning audits, food monitoring sheets, and routine records.
• Participate in monthly cleaning audits and contribute to ongoing quality improvement.
• Manage stock control of cleaning materials and catering items, including ordering supplies when needed.
• Handle clinical waste, recyclables, and general waste safely and in accordance with Trust procedures.
• Undertake laundry duties, including receiving deliveries, storing clean linen, and removing soiled linen.
• Use basic IT systems to complete mandatory e-learning, record data, and order supplies.
• Report incidents, accidents, complaints or concerns promptly to the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge.
• Attend ward meetings and actively contribute as part of the wider nursing and facilities team.
• Uphold confidentiality, data protection requirements, and Trust policies at all times.
• Participate in mandatory and role specific training such as Food Hygiene, Fire Safety, Moving & Handling, and infection control.
• Maintain awareness of infection control principles and apply them consistently in daily tasks.
• Work collaboratively with ward staff, showing kindness, respect, and teamwork in line with Trust values.
• Interact with patients in a compassionate and professional manner, including during times when individuals may be distressed or displaying challenging behaviour (support available from nursing staff).
• Provide a helpful and positive presence on the ward, supporting a safe and welcoming atmosphere for recovery.
  
  NVQ Level 2 in Housekeeping and a valid Food Hygiene Certificate, or willingness to work towards.
Desirable
• Manual Handing.
• Basic computer skills.
Experience Essential
• Food preparation (n.b. the bulk of food preparation is cook / freeze preparation, which does not require advanced cooking skills).Health and Safety awareness.
Desirable
• Experience of mental health difficulties.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
• NVQ Level 2 in Housekeeping and a valid Food Hygiene Certificate, or willingness to work towards.
Desirable
• Manual Handing.
• Basic computer skills.
Experience Essential
• Food preparation (n.b. the bulk of food preparation is cook / freeze preparation, which does not require advanced cooking skills).Health and Safety awareness.
Desirable
• Experience of mental health difficulties.
  
  As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!