Hygiene Attendant

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is (as at 01/06/2026):

€35,433; €37,294; €38,681; €39,260; €39,504; €40,081; €40,673; €41,137; €41,696

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.

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 and 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 the 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 the National Cleaning Manual and HIQA standards.
• 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 the assigned bleep or phone and be contactable at all times.
• Ensure that duties are carried out as specified on cleaning schedules, including signing off on work completed.
• Work as part of a team and be responsible for the general cleaning and hygiene standards of the service or clinical area as per cleaning specifications and schedules.
• Ensure appropriate quality standards and protocols are completed.
• Be aware of and comply with HSE policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Observe the hospital's policies and procedures on discretion and confidentiality relating to patients and/or their families.
• Present for work in full and proper clean uniform at the rostered time.
• Demonstrate a friendly and co-operative attitude towards visitors, relatives and staff.
• Rotate with roster duties when required.
• Undertake all training and retraining as requested by Hospital Management and keep up to date with new methods of food handling, service and cleaning methods in compliance with Infection Control Standards.
• Be fully aware of and comply with policies in relation to fire outbreaks, the Major Emergency Plan or other emergencies and participate in emergency response to the same.
• Participate in the induction of new staff, as directed.
• Take all necessary steps to ensure maximum security in the Department (locking doors and windows) in your area of assignment and all equipment and supplies therein.
• Support Services operates over 7 days per week. Working hours may include night duty, evening duty, weekend work, unsocial hours and shift work.
• Ensure consistency with documentation practices, adhere to regulatory requirements, retrieve documents upon request and organise 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 hygiene services.

General

• Comply with all uniform and hygiene requirements, including appropriate cleaning attire required to comply with infection control, and complete 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 the needs of the service.
• The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact this role and, as structures change, the job description may be reviewed.
• Carry out daily duties with regard to patients' dignity and privacy, in line with HIQA Standards for Better Safer Healthcare.
• Carry out 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.
• Wear the prescribed uniform at all times and utilise protective clothing, footwear, gloves, etc., as required by Hospital Uniform Policy and appropriate to the area of service.

KPIs

• Identify and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
• Develop Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Drive and promote a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with the Line Manager, assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• Manage and deliver 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 needs of Senior Management.
• 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

• 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 and standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near Miss Reporting Policies and Procedures.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring compliance with hygiene services requirements in their 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 throughout their area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
• The post holder’s responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified during the induction process and by the Line Manager.
• The post holder must take reasonable care for their own actions and the effect 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 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 appropriate to the post which may be assigned from time to time and contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility CriteriaQualifications 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 a pass in 5 subjects.

Or

(ii) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in an equivalent examination in another jurisdiction.

And

(iii) Have previous experience working in a household or catering environment in a healthcare setting, such as a Hospital, Nursing Home or 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 that indicates a reasonable prospect of the 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 relevant to the role of Hygiene Attendant.
• Flexibility regarding working hours to meet the demands of the service, as the post operates 24/7.
• Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP and HIQA documents.

Skills, Competencies and/or KnowledgeProfessional Knowledge & Experience

Demonstrate:

• Evidence of knowledge of Infection Prevention & Control, HIQA standards and the requirements of this role to adhere to them.
• Knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
• Knowledge in the area of healthcare.
• An ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
• A commitment to continuing professional development.
• A commitment to assuring high standards and striving for a patient centred service.
• Knowledge of basic food hygiene.

Teamwork

Demonstrate:

• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Motivation and an innovative approach to the job.
• Ability to present a neat and tidy appearance.
• Ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

Planning and Organising

Demonstrate:

• Evidence of the ability to plan work effectively and efficiently.
• A flexible approach to working hours and rostering, including unsocial hours, shift work, night duty, on-call and attitude to work.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Quality & Patient/Customer Focus

Demonstrate:

• A focus on quality.
• Evidence of the ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ability to communicate with patients in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner.
• A competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP and other documents.
• Ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding and avoid misinterpretation.
• Excellent communication skills, including sufficient command of the English language to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.