About the Opportunity
Looking for a hands-on role where you can be part of the NHS and make a difference every day?
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a Food Service Assistant to join the Catering team at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. This role supports the safe preparation and delivery of meals for patients, staff, and visitors, helping the hospital run smoothly behind the scenes.
This is a great opportunity for someone with catering experience who enjoys practical work, being part of a team, and providing good service in a busy healthcare environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Food Service Assistant, you’ll support the hospital’s in-house catering service across a range of kitchen and food service tasks.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Helping prepare, pack, label, chill, and serve food items
- Assembling meals for patients using the hospital meal system
- Cleaning kitchen areas, equipment, trolleys, and food production spaces
- Supporting dishwashing and general kitchen duties
- Receiving, checking, and storing deliveries
- Making sure food is stored, labelled, and rotated correctly
- Following food hygiene, HACCP, COSHH, and health & safety procedures
- Communicating clearly with colleagues and asking for support when needed
- Providing information about allergens or seeking advice from senior staff if unsure
What You’ll Gain
- Experience working within the NHS
- Practical food service and catering experience
- Training in food safety, HACCP, allergy awareness, and mandatory NHS procedures
- Customer service and teamwork skills in a professional setting
- Experience supporting patient care in a non-clinical role
- A strong foundation for future roles in catering, hospitality, healthcare support, or facilities
Who They’re Looking For
This opportunity would suit someone who:
- Has previous catering experience
- Has basic literacy and numeracy skills
- Holds a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate or equivalent
- Works well as part of a team
- Can stay calm and focused in a busy environment
- Has a caring, respectful, and professional attitude
- Is willing to complete training and follow procedures
- Is physically able to carry out practical tasks as part of the daily routine
- Has a flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and bank holidays
A positive attitude, reliability, and respect for patients, visitors, and colleagues are essential.
Key Details
Location: Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon
Department: Catering – Main Kitchen
Grade & Pay: Band 2 – £25,272 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays
Reports to: Food Service Team Leaders