To mark the very first National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day, we are showcasing some of the many different roles in estates and facilities around our Trust.
Sandra Smith – Senior Food Service Supervisor
How long have you worked in the NHS?
Since 1996
What is your role in the NHS?
To manage services in the Restaurant and Patient meals
What does your role involve doing?
To manage staff’s rotas, annual leave and Trust policies and procedures for example sickness absence policy by carrying out return to work interviews. Assist staff in completing mandatory and department specific training and complete section appraisals. To ensure the smooth running of the food services and the high standards of the department and the Trust are met.
What is the best thing about working in the NHS Facilities Division?
The job satisfaction when realising that we assist the patient’s recovery journey. Providing a great service to Trust staff that are using the restaurant services. The day-to-day running of the services is never the same and always interesting.
What is the most challenging thing about working in the NHS Facilities Division?
Ensuring all our users are happy with the service we provide.
How do you improve/enrich/enhance a patients journey?
By ensuring the smooth running of the service and providing a safe, good quality food service is delivered to patients at every meal time.
A little bit more about me…
I began my service in the NHS as a catering assistant in 1996. I progressed to Assistant Chef working in the Sykes fast food bar for a period of time before becoming the Pastry Chef in the main kitchen. In addition, I carried out the diet clerk duties covering the weekend services. I made the move to the Restaurant as a Service Supervisor before taking on my current senior role. In 2021 I was a finalist for the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) Junior Manager of the Year.