Why Hospitals Are Hiring Cleaning Teams at Scale
Hospital cleanliness is a frontline patient-safety measure. Trusts rely on domestic services teams to hit infection-control targets on every ward, every day. As admissions increase and wards run at high occupancy, hospitals expand their cleaning teams and offer structured training, reliable schedules, and career stability. For many candidates, this is the most direct path into the UK healthcare system, with a clear visa route and overtime opportunities.
What the Job Involves
- Deep clean rooms, bathrooms, corridors, and high-touch surfaces to schedule.
- Use hospital-grade disinfectants with correct dilution and contact times.
- Segregate clinical waste to colour-coded rules and restock PPE stations.
- Update electronic cleaning logs and escalate hazards immediately.
- Work closely with nursing staff during bed turns and discharge peaks.
Pay, Overtime, and Shift Patterns
Entry bands typically cover 37.5 hours per week with premiums for nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Many trusts add overtime at time-and-a-half once you pass standard hours. Some provide subsidised accommodation on arrival and help with initial transport, uniforms, and training modules, making relocation smoother for overseas hires.
Requirements and How to Apply
- Six months’ paid cleaning or housekeeping experience in hospitals, hotels, or ships.
- Basic English for safety briefings and handovers.
- Clear police check and medical clearance.
- Physical ability for lifting and trolley handling.
- Two references who can confirm reliability and hygiene standards.
Fast Application Checklist
Prepare a two-page CV focused on safety, speed, and quality. Include a simple availability grid, your passport validity, and your openness to shift rotations. Search NHS and major trust career pages, set alerts for “domestic assistant,” and be ready for video interviews with short skills verifications. Offers often move quickly for prepared candidates.