Description:
The role of a Porter is an essential part of the Multidisciplinary Team within the Hospital. The Porter works closely with all disciplines for the benefit of patient care and under the direction of their Line management, CNM2, Nursing Staff and other staff within the areas assigned.
This Job can be summarised as having a number of components.
General Portering role:
- Patient Care Role
- Training of other staff to undertake these duties.
- Specialist Portering Roles- waste/ ICU/ Theatre etc.
Reporting Relationship:
- On a day to the the manager in charge of the area assigned.
- Overall reporting relationship is to the Head of Portering through the portering Supervisors.
Responsibilities:
General Porter:
Moving of patients:
- The main purpose of the role is to transport patients to and from various areas of the Hospital for tests, procedures or upon transfer of care from one area to another.
- The porter will assess the most suitable form of transport in conjunction with the patient, Nursing or other Healthcare Staff the possible methods of transport are to escort a patient who can independently mobile, to transfer via wheelchair, Trolley or bed.
- To ensure that the proper method of transfer of the patient from a manual handling perspective is used so that the patient and the porter are safe.
- The porter must ensure that it is the right patient who is going to the right dept at the right time.
- Good communication with the patient is essential to explain why you are transporting them where they are going and to take into consideration and reasons why at that time the patient may not be suitable for transport and alert the receiving dept
- The role clearly involves the pushing of wheelchairs, Trolleys and beds, with the porter pushing from behind therefore communicating with the patient throughout the journey to ensure they are ok is essential.
- Upon arrival at destination handing over the patient to the personnel in the dept and advising the patient how they will get back to their ward/ OPD etc is very important.
- When removing remains ensure dignity and respect for the patient at all times, ensure privacy and complete relevant documentation
- Ensure that appropriate PPE and standard precautions are used at all times.
- Movement of Furniture/ Equipment and samples
- To include but not limited to Beds, bedtables, linen, waste, soiled line, medical devices and equipment, Charts, samples.
- Ensure you are clear on the request.
- Assess the load in terms of lifting and carrying and use appropriate transport.
- If it is a sample ensure it is transported as per SOP and standard precautions are used.
- Complete any paperwork required.
- In certain circumstances it may be the role of the porter to clean and assemble equipment ( ICU/ Theatre).
- Transport medical gasses as required, replace and check regularly.
Communication:
- Utilise DECT phones and bleeps to communicate throughout the shift.
- Be familiar with the use of email to correspond with line management and keep up to date with News from the Hospital.
- Ensure to talk to all patients/ visitors when assisting them in a professional manner and introduce yourself by name.
- Respond to Emergency call outs/ FAST positive DECT/ Rapid response team DECT.
- Be aware of both patient and staff confidentiality at all time, do not leave documentation unattended.
- Efficiency and time management are very important and can be achieved through good communication- for example it is expected that if a job is not ready that another job is performed while waiting that if a patient is not ready you contact the dept and request another patients name.
- Communicating clearly, calmly and professionally is expected at all times.