Professional Hospital Porter

About the Company

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s biggest and most innovative trusts. Comprising three main hospitals — Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, and the Royal Free Hospital — as well as a network of clinics across north London, we are a leading provider of healthcare services. We are dedicated to providing world-class care, pioneering research, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our mission is to deliver excellent patient outcomes and a positive experience, driven by our values of compassion, integrity, respect, and collaboration.

Job Description

We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team as Professional Hospital Porters. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of patients, equipment, medical records, and supplies throughout our busy hospital environment. This position requires excellent physical stamina, strong communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining a high standard of patient care and operational efficiency. You will be an integral part of our frontline team, ensuring the smooth running of daily hospital operations and contributing directly to the comfort and safety of our patients. This is a demanding yet highly rewarding role that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport patients, including those with varying mobility levels and medical conditions, using appropriate equipment such as wheelchairs, trolleys, and beds.
• Move medical equipment, laboratory samples, blood products, and confidential patient notes between departments.
• Assist with the transfer of deceased patients to the mortuary, showing respect and sensitivity.
• Manage and transport general waste, clinical waste, and recycling, adhering to hospital waste management policies.
• Deliver and collect mail, parcels, and stores items across the hospital site.
• Ensure all equipment used is clean, well-maintained, and safe for use, reporting any defects promptly.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, visitors, and staff members, providing assistance and directions as needed.
• Respond promptly to requests for portering services, prioritizing tasks efficiently.
• Adhere to all hospital policies and procedures, including health and safety, infection control, and patient confidentiality.

Required Skills

• Excellent physical fitness and stamina for prolonged periods of walking, standing, pushing, and lifting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Understanding of health and safety principles within a healthcare setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a portering or similar role within a hospital or healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of manual handling techniques and patient moving equipment.
• First Aid certification.
• Basic IT skills for using hospital communication systems (e.g., pagers, radios).

Perks & Benefits

• NHS Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to NHS discounts and employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Apply Now