About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a reliable, methodical and organised individual with good practical skills to work in the department of dietetics. The job will involve supporting the dietetic services so that they can provide quality services to both patients and other staff groups.
You will be involved the special feed production unit, where you will be responsible for the preparation, manufacture and distribution of specialist baby feeds to the paediatric and neonate services supporting the full time Specialist Feed Production Unit technician. You will also provide a key role in the liaison between dietetics and catering to ensure that dietary products are available to those patients requiring them. In both roles you will be required to work closely with the dietetic staff and other staff within the Trust.
Main duties of the job
This post is based in the milk kitchen which is open 6 days per week and is responsible for the making of specialist infant and paediatrics feeds for patients on the children's wards. They are responsible for equipment maintenance maintaining hygiene standards and regular risk audits to ensure the safe running of the milk kitchen. This post is also responsible for stock monitoring (rotation, ordering and levels). This is an essential post to provide this service to paediatrics.
About us
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
To provide a focus for and co-ordinate the logistical aspects of the production of special feeds in the SFPU, liaising with all users of the service as required.
To follow the working procedures and guidelines in the SFPU to ensure that all aspects of feed production, assembling, manufacturing, sterilising and distribution are done safely, accurately and in compliance with departmental and Trust policies.
To be responsible for the use of specialist equipment in the accurate measuring and weighing of the ingredients for manufacturing specialist feeds with accepted narrow margins of error.
To participate in continuing professional development and keep abreast of current developments in feeding practices and specialist products and equipment.
To audit the SFPU services and to set up and provide regular reports on all aspects of the service as requested.
To be responsible for the ordering and stock control, for specialist feeds, containers, labels and disposables used in the SFPU, ensuring that stock is maintained and managed at the most appropriate level for an effective service, whilst minimising expenditure, stockholding and wastage.
To interpret verbal and written requests from medical and nursing staff, in the formulation of complex feeds.
To be responsible for ensuring that all audit, electronic and documentation records necessary for the running of the department are maintained at all times, that worksheets and procedures are periodically reviewed and that the policies and procedures laid down by the Department/Trust, are carried out.
To be responsible for the quality assurance of the materials and equipment used within the SFPU, reporting concerns and issues to the Principal Dietitian for Paediatric Services.
To ensure effective communication, and advise colleagues, other departmental, ward and medical staff, and personnel in other hospitals etc on all aspects of sterile feed production and to promote the department as a centre of excellence.
To provide an unsupervised, specialised weekend and public holiday service to produce specialist feeds in line with service commitments and department/Trust policies.
To ensure that all personnel work in a safe manner in a safe environment, that all equipment is well maintained, checked and in a safe and clean state for use and that records for servicing and maintenance are kept.
Administrative/ Management
To support the Principal Dietitian for Paediatric Services, in all aspects of the management and organisation of the department.
To contribute to service delivery, allocating work to, and supervising staff whenever necessary, according to service needs, staff abilities and training requirements.
To be responsible for the registering of new patients referred to the service and subsequently the discharge of patients from the Trusts electronic system.
To be responsible for the electronic appointment bookings for the paediatric dietetic team. To contact parents/carers by telephone to arrange appointments when needed.
To undertake clerical duties as required by the Principal Dietitian for Paediatric Services.
To liaise with the Principal Dietitian for Paediatric Services in the department on all aspects of the technician rota and staffing levels for the SFPU.
To carry a bleep during hours of work to meet service demands.
Training and Education
To undertake the training of other staff in the production of specialist feeds and use of specialist equipment, including computer based systems.
Support student dietitians during their clinical placements and participate in their training program as appropriate
To be responsible for the instructing of carers of children referred to the service in the safe production of complex feeds for use at home.
To be trained to trainer level in the use of enteral feeding pumps and equipment.
Professional
To be an associate Member of the BDA.
To keep statistics and written records of all in-patient and outpatient contacts in accordance with trust and departmental standards for record keeping.
To comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies.
To undertake risk assessment and reporting of clinical incidents as outlined in the trust policy.
To participate fully in the appraisal process and develop a strategy for continuing professional development encompassing a portfolio-based assessment in line with national legislation.
To carry out good office practice in accordance with the departments policies and procedures.
To understand and practice in line with the trusts child protection policy.
To provide cover for colleagues in the SFPU during periods of absence.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- healthcare experience
Desirable
- Nutrition qualification
Skills
Essential
- -Good oral and written communication skills with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
- computer literacy
Desirable
- Able to work in a self directed way
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
St Georges Hospital
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
SW170QT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.stgeorges.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)