Porters at Northampton General Hospital are the main support for the site in the transfer of patients and equipment. In this role you will be expected to support the safe and effective transfer of patients around our 25+ wards and 60+ clinics.
Depending on the skills and person fit of the successful candidate, this role could cover the full 24/7 shift rota or work within our radiology transfer team.
To undertake general portering duties for all wards and departments, providing a professional and quality service to all users. This will include the safe transportation of patients using wheelchairs, stretchers and beds. The movement of equipment, collecting and delivering post are some of the duties undertaken by a porter.
Main duties of the job
Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is looking to recruit a ‘General Porter’ to work in our busy Portering Services role. The Trust’s Portering service is part of that caring ethos, supporting clinical care and the smooth running of the Trust 24/7 365 days a year.
The role is a diverse one and may include such duties as: transporting patients throughout the hospital, medical gas management, collection and delivery of post, movement of equipment and furniture, cleaning of portering equipment, safe transport of deceased from wards with additional duties as required to meet the needs of the service and to assist in providing the best possible care for patients.
Additional development will be offered in line with appraisals to cover other portering activities.
Successful applicants will be expected to cover shifts across the full 24‑hour period including weekends and bank holidays. This will initially be a structured rota pattern but may be adjusted to meet the needs of the service.
This is an extremely diverse role with a diverse team, often physically demanding, requiring good self‑organisational skills, teamwork and strong communication and confidence.
Job responsibilities
* Transport patients within the hospital in conjunction with Trust policies and departmental procedures.
* Communicate with patients that are being transported in a sensitive and tactful manner, building rapport and ensuring they understand any instructions to maintain their safety.
* Undertake general mortuary duties in accordance with agreed procedures.
* Delivery, collection and disposal of refuse, laundry and clinical waste from wards and departments.
* Safe collection and delivery of gas cylinders, beds, blood products, specimens, pharmacy products, medical equipment, furniture and any other equipment around the hospital site.
* Change and replenish medical gas pipelines.
* Sorting, collection and delivery of all mail to designated areas.
* Cleaning duties as required in designated areas, incorporating trolleys, wheelchairs, electric tugs and all other relevant equipment.
* Undertake all training as necessary to enable satisfactory and competent completion of role.
* Comply with specific instructions and working patterns when based in a particular department.
* Maintain high standards of infection control and hand hygiene during the performance of duties.
* Work closely with supervisors to produce a high standard of service to patients, staff and visitors.
* Contribute to the development of the Portering Service by putting forward suggestions for improvement.
* When nominated to lead and coordinate teams when supervisors are not available.
* Use two‑way radios to communicate.
* Flexibility in areas of work as prescribed for the departmental needs.
* Carry out all duties in accordance with the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and local departmental working practices.
* Any other work commensurate with the post or as requested by the Line Manager.
Person Specification
Skills
* Ability to follow instructions.
* Ability to develop rapport with staff, patients and visitors.
* Ability to multitask effectively and move from one task to another rapidly when priorities change.
* Ability to prioritise and use initiative.
* Computer skills.
* Ability to input data to manage monthly timesheets.
* Self‑motivated to work under minimal supervision.
* Ability to lead and coordinate a team when on duty.
* Respect for patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
* Able to undertake the frequent physical duties of the role such as pulling/pushing trolleys, beds or similar.
* Ability to undertake medical gas duties once trained.
* Commitment to working the hours required to fulfil the job, including flexibility where required.
* Ability to carry out the full range of portering duties once trained.
* Ability to record information correctly and legibly.
* Ability to remain calm under pressure or challenging situations.
Knowledge
* Previous experience of working in a customer‑facing role.
* Knowledge and understanding of different cultural needs.
* Knowledge of good health & safety practices.
* Previous experience of working in a healthcare setting.
* Trained in health and safety practices.
Education, Training and Qualifications
* No formal education is required as on‑the‑job instruction, training and theoretical knowledge are provided. The ability to retain information and learn, together with excellent communication skills (oral and written), is essential.
* NVQ/Apprenticeship (or equivalent) in customer services.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer welcoming applications from all people within society. UHN welcomes applications from people from all protected groups and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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