Hospital Porter
What is the work like?
As a hospital porter, you would support patients by helping them to move around the hospital, for example, from a ward to the x-ray department. You would help patients into wheelchairs or onto trolleys, take them to appointments and then back to their ward. You could also carry out other duties such as:
- taking meals to patients
- transferring clean linen to wards from the laundry
- moving furniture and valuable or intricate equipment safely
- disposing of waste, which may be hazardous
- delivering post, files and specimens to different parts of the hospital
- moving patients who have died, from a ward and to the mortuary.
In some hospitals you would help with security, which could involve working on the reception desk.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not usually need any specific qualifications to become a hospital porter, however, you will need good written and spoken communication skills.
Some employers will test your physical fitness when you apply for a porter's job, which may include a medical examination. Larger hospitals or trusts may prefer you to have a driving licence so you can work at a number of different sites during a working day.
Experience of working with the public, especially in a caring role, would be particularly helpful. If you do not have relevant experience, you could learn about this role by volunteering in a hospital, helping the porter with his or her duties. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive training on the job, working alongside experienced colleagues. You will also usually have a short induction course covering areas such as:
- general information about hospital procedures, practices and layout
- health and safety, and hygiene issues
- safe lifting techniques, moving and handling
- transporting equipment safely.
You could go on to work towards NVQ Level 2 in Support Services in Health Care.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £12,500 a year.
- With experience this can rise to around £15,500.
- Senior porters or team leaders can earn around £18,000.
There are additional payments for working overtime and shifts. Salaries in private hospitals are based on those in the NHS.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work around 37.5 to 40 hours a week, including shifts and weekends. Part-time hours are often possible.
Your work may include disposing of hazardous waste, for which you would wear protective clothing. Your work could take you anywhere on the hospital site. And your duties may be emotionally and physically demanding.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good communication skills
- a friendly and helpful manner
- a reasonable level of physical fitness for loading and pushing heavy trolleys
- the ability to cope well under pressure
- the ability to act calmly and quickly in emergencies
- the ability to follow instructions
- a reliable and hardworking approach
- the ability to cope well with sickness, death and distress.
What opportunities are there?
You could work within the NHS and private hospitals. There is usually a lot of competition for jobs.
With experience, you could progress to team leader or supervisor. For this, you may need to have, or be working towards, qualifications in supervision and management.
Experience of working with patients as a porter could be useful if you want to move into an area such as the ambulance service, healthcare assistant work or nursing. Check the relevant job profiles for details.
You will find jobs advertised in the local press and Jobcentre Plus. You may also find the following useful for vacancies: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
NHS Professionals
A-Z list of NHS Trusts
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