Hygiene Attendant

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is (as at 01/08/2025): €34,240; €36,064; €37,424; €37,991; €38,231; €38,796; €39,376; €39,832; €40,379

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Reporting Relationship

Report to and work under supervision and direction of the nominated Supervisor, as appropriate.

Purpose of the Post The provision of high quality hygiene services to all patients which includes cleaning, laundry and waste management, in line with the hospital and national infection control guidelines, national cleaning standards and HIQA standards. Support the provision of a high quality, safe and professional customer focussed service.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Service needs will require movement of staff between wards/departments/relief duties as directed. The duties of the Hygiene Attendant will be dependent on the service needs of the care setting. Below is an outline of the principal duties a Hygiene Attendant may carry out, as assigned and as directed.

• The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.

• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.

• Performance management systems are part of role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme.

• The person holding this post is required to work within the Hygiene Team across ULHG.

• Adhere to National Cleaning Manual and HIQA standards.

• To be aware of Statutory Occupational Health & Safety Legislation under the Safety, Health & Welfare Act, 1989.

• Ensure efficient and economical use of materials and equipment.

• Ensure proper use of cleaning materials and equipment, reporting any defects for repair to the Attendant Supervisor.

• Carry assigned bleep/phone and be contactable at all times.

• Ensure that duties are carried out as specified on cleaning schedules i.e. signing off on work completed.

• To work as part of a team and be responsible for the general cleaning and hygiene standards of the service/clinical area as per cleaning specification and schedules.

• Ensure appropriate quality standards and protocols are completed.

• To be aware of and comply with HSE policies and procedures.

• To be aware of and comply with directives, guidelines and recommendations from statutory bodies in relation to Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Infection Control, Environmental Health, HIQA and Waste Management.

• To observe the hospitals policies and procedures on discretion and confidentiality relating to patients and/or their families.

• To present for work in full and proper clean uniform at rostered time.

• To demonstrate a friendly and co-operative attitude towards visitors/relatives/staff.

• Rotate with roster duties when required.

• To undertake all training & retraining as requested by Hospital Management and to keep up to date with new methods of food handling, service and cleaning methods in compliance with Infection Control Standards.

• To be fully aware & comply with policies, in relation to fire outbreaks, Major Emergency Plan, or other emergencies and participate in emergency response to same.

• Participate in the induction of new staff, as directed.

• To take all necessary steps to ensure the maximum security in the Department (locking doors, windows) in your area of assignment and all equipment and supplies therein.

• Support Services operates over 7 days per week, working hours will / can include: Night Duty, Evening duty, Weekend Work, Unsocial Hours and Shift work.

• Ensure consistency with documentation practices, adhere to regulatory requirements. Retrieving documents upon request and organisation of archival documents.

• Ensure that adequate cleaning stock is ordered and available.

• Comply with the Digital system in use by the Hospital to maintain and update data in relation to the hygiene services.

General

• Comply with all uniform and hygiene requirements – including appropriate cleaning attire required to comply with infection control and adhere to completion of all Mandatory training.

• This post may be subject to restructuring in the future to facilitate the reorganisation of acute services in line with clinical models of acute care and needs of the service.

• The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.

• Carry out their daily duties with regard to patient’s dignity and privacy, in line with HIQA Standards for Better Safer Healthcare.

• The post holder is expected to carry out his / her duties with compassion, respect and consideration for both patients and other staff.

• Be accountable for the provision of your work and perform in a manner that is efficient, effective and of the highest standard.

• The uniform prescribed must be worn at all times and other protective clothing, footwear, gloves etc., must be utilised as required by Hospital Uniform Policy and as appropriate to area of service.

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.

• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.

• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.

• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.

• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.

• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.

• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.

• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings and grounds is not permitted.

• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.

• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety (June 2025)

• The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

  • Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

  • Document Control Information Management Systems

  • Risk Management Strategy and Policies

  • Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards

  • Food Safety and Management related Policies, Procedures and Standards

  • Decontamination Code of Practice

  • Infection Control Policies

  • Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure

  • Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.

• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.

• The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.

• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/or experience

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition: (i) Have 2nd level education to Junior Certificate Level at a minimum, which includes pass in 5 subjects. Or (ii) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in any equivalent examination in another jurisdiction And (iii) Previous experience working in a household/catering environment in a healthcare setting i.e. Hospital/Nursing Home/Day Care Facility or in the hospitality sector

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

• Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience as relevant to the role of Hygiene Attendant.

• Flexibility regards working hours to meet the demands of the service as post operates 24/7.

• Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP/HIQA documents.

Additional eligibility requirements: Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be: (i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens OR (ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status. To qualify, candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of Infection Prevention & Control, HIQA standards and the requirements in this role to adhere to same.

• Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

• Demonstrate knowledge in the area of healthcare.

• Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient centred service.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic food hygiene.

Teamwork

Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

• Demonstrate ability to present a neat and tidy appearance.

• Demonstrate ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

Planning and Organising

Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan work effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrate flexible approach to working hours, rostering, e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work.

• Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative.

• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure.

Quality & Patient/Customer Focus

Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate a focus on quality.

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

• Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills Demonstrate:

• Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with colleagues in a professional and respectful manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with patients in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner.

• Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP and other documents.

• Demonstrate ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding/avoid misinterpretation.

• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities.