Support Roles

We are proud of our award-winning catering department specifically catering for patients and staff across Southmead Hospital.

Our team use methods of preparation that assist in retaining maximum nutritional content in meals provided to help ensure the speedy recovery of our patients. We provide over 2,000 meals per day using the Cook Chill Method., within the Central Production Unit (CPU). All meals are produced onsite from scratch. The CPU operates over a five-day week, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm. 

In addition to patient meals, our Trust provides in-house catering for all staff offering freshly prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients. This is provided seven days a week, between the hours of 6am and 6pm. 

Full training will be given at all levels, including the opportunity to apply for apprenticeships/NVQ and other professional qualifications. 

Roles within our catering teams include:

• Chefs - Our Chefs plan and produce hospitality menus, then prepare and cook food for staff and patients using fresh local ingredients in a cost-effective way. They work as part of the team to provide efficient and effective services in a caring and professional manner.
• Catering Assistants and Ward Operatives - Our Catering Assistants and Ward Operatives are responsible for carrying out a number of duties in our kitchens, dining rooms and associated areas. In this role, you will help prepare and serve vegetables, fruits, salads, sandwiches, toast, beverages and other food items, while cleaning the premises and equipment. This role will require you to interact with patients, visitors, and staff, both in person and over the phone, ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible services. You will also need to be able to multi-task in a number of duties consisting of but not limited to:
  • Interacting with customers
  • Reading patient menus
  • Plating up food.
• Catering Supervisors - Our Catering Supervisors support the team to ensure that all meals and sundries for patients meet the orders requested, are despatched on time and in the correct manner in accordance with agreed guidelines. They ensure that all staff working within the meal despatch area are fully conversant with their duties and provide support and guidance where needed.

Our Domestic Cleaning Operatives are invaluable members of our Patient Support Team, helping us to keep our hospital clean. Responding to changing needs, our team go to wherever they are needed most. From wards and operating theatres to offices and clinical departments. Our Domestic Cleaning Operatives are trained in all aspects of cleaning and in the use of specialist equipment. They work closely with the multidisciplinary team while providing general ward and departmental cleaning (including infection cleaning).

The role also involves face to face contact with patients, working in line with the facilities and departmental operating procedures.

Porters are essential in the day-to-day running of our hospitals, helping to transport patients and vital supplies to our wards and departments, so we can continue to provide outstanding care. Our Portering Operatives are responsible for the cleaning of all relevant equipment and responding to any major incidents. They are also responsible for clearing recycling and waste on the old estate, delivering CSSD (Sterile Services Department) for the theatres and supporting all maternity wards. They are flexible in carrying out duties as instructed by our patient support team leaders to best support the needs of the service. 

Our Housekeepers are important members of our ward teams. Working directly under the direction of the Senior Nurse or Ward Manager, they work closely with domestic services, catering and linen services staff as well as nursing staff and clinical support staff.

Our Housekeepers lead ward services such as catering, cleaning equipment and suppliers. The work can include:

• Talking to and reassuring patients
• Ordering non-clinical suppliers
• Keeping the ward clean and tidy
• Serving and cleaning away meals
• Preparing snacks and drinks
• Reporting faults
• Clerical and admin tasks
• Ordering patient transport
• Supporting visitors

Our housekeepers work independently as well as part of a team ensuring a clean, safe environment is maintained for patient safety. 

Additional roles within our support services teams include:

Receipt and Distribution Assistants

Key duties include:

• Checking and unpacking deliveries.
• Looking after Auto Guided Vehicles (AGV) system.
• Rectifying obstacles and faults.
• Problem solving in order to ensure that supply is maintained to all areas. 
• Main duties are checking, delivering, driving and receipting goods.

Materials Management Assistants

Key duties include:

• Generating orders based on established PAR levels.
• Checking and unpacking deliveries.
• Ensuring cleanliness and upkeep of storage areas.
• Working across the NBT site in a number of different locations.
• Liaising with a wide range of hospital staff and external suppliers.