Ward host | Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Job description

About

The Ward Host plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality patient catering services across inpatient wards. The post holder is responsible for taking meal orders, serving food and beverages, maintaining ward kitchen areas, and ensuring patients receive meals that meet their nutritional, dietary, cultural and clinical requirements. The role contributes directly to patient experience, nutritional care, and the maintenance of high standards of food safety and hygiene within the hospital environment

The Ward Host is responsible for providing a safe, efficient and patient-focused food and beverage service. Duties include accurately recording patient meal choices, preparing and serving meals and refreshments, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards within ward kitchens, completing food safety documentation, monitoring stock rotation, and ensuring compliance with Trust policies and procedures. The post holder works closely with clinical teams, catering colleagues and patients to support nutritional care and deliver excellent customer service.

St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). 

 After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.

At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.

The post holder will ensure that all patients receive meals and beverages in accordance with their individual dietary, medical, cultural and nutritional requirements. They will maintain ward kitchen facilities to a high standard, complete all required food safety and due diligence records, and comply with all food hygiene, health and safety, and infection prevention procedures. The Ward Host will contribute to a positive patient experience by providing courteous and professional customer service, responding to patient needs, communicating effectively with ward staff, and supporting the efficient delivery of catering services. The role requires flexibility, attention to detail, adherence to established procedures, and a commitment to maintaining the Trust's standards of quality, safety and patient care.

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Nov 2026