PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibility of this post will evolve and develop and may include other relevant duties, not currently documented in this job description, which the post holder would be required to undertake, following consultation. Main functions of the role include:

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Ensuring all clothing is washed/dried/ironed/labelled to appropriate standards and collected and returned to the residents/patients in a timely manner.
• Ensure that a regular supply of detergent and fabric conditioner is provided and ensuring the stock level is checked daily and stock ordered when necessary.
• Use of all machinery in the laundry area.
• Ensure the upkeep of the laundry room and it is kept to a high standard and comply with all IPC measures
• To provide all new residents with named laundry bags and label all clothing.
• Follow all policies and procedures including health and safety and fire policies and procedures.
• Report any hazards to management.
• Be aware of chemical awareness and undertake training required.
• To collect dirty laundry from each unit and sluice room on a daily basis.
• Sort all garments, fabric and linen into types for separate washing cycles.
• Search all garments to ensure there is no items held in pocket eg jewellery, glasses, dentures etc.
• To ensure all laundry is completed as per care of clothing as to the manufactures instructions.
• Removal of stains using appropriate procedure.
• Ensure that all laundry is thoroughly dried, ironed and folded neatly for returning in mesh bags on a daily basis.
• Have responsibility for returning resident laundry in a timely manner.
• Ensure all residents clothing are marked/labelled correctly and stored individually for return.
• Hand wash items e.g. wool and silk items are dealt with as per washing instructions.
• To use washing equipment according to manufactures instructions.
• To launder other items i.e. resident/patient blankets etc. when required.
• To provide an ironing service for laundry where required.
• To liaise with each ward CNM/operations lead/TSD in relation to any issues that may arise with a resident clothing when relevant.
• To be aware of Infection Control procedures during Infection outbreaks such as MRSA and C Diff.
• To follow uniform policy, including use of protective clothing when required, for e.g. goggles, aprons and gloves when required.
• To maintain the laundry department in line with HIQA standards.
• Implement and uphold the highest standards of the service ensuring the best possible standards of cleanliness and hygiene and compliance with Hospital Health and Safety policy procedures, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
• To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area, which are in keeping with the continuous quality improvement programme of the Hospital.
• Notify operations lead/TSD or other relevant staff of faulty equipment, building / equipment repairs, maintenance requirements, requests for chemicals / personal protective equipment / light equipment.
• Maintain the upkeep of the laundry area to the highest standards and in compliance with all IPC measures/policies/protocols and standards.
• Maintain records of all laundry and other records and audits where required.
• To record incidences when required in order to comply with Health & Safety.
• To undertake any other duties this may be assigned by Hospital Management/RCNU management from time to time.
  The job description is an outline of the post as it is currently perceived by the hospital and will be subject to review and amendment. This job description will therefore be subject to change in light of the various strategies for the hospital and the development of the Clinical Directorate model and any future developments that arise and will evolve and change over time.
  Qualifications: