Ward Assistant / Porter

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic Ward Assistant / Porter to join our Acute Medical Unit as part our Urgent Emergency Elderly Care Group supporting the clinical teams based on the unit.

This is a very busy area which provides the focal point for receiving emergency medical admissions, patients, visitors and staff to the ward. You will be joining a dedicated clinical team that supports patient care within the clinical ward environment. The role is essential in ensuring safe provision of care in transferring of patients around the trust and supporting the nursing team by ensuring adequate stock provision is available to deliver emergency care.

The patient is at the centre of everything we do. Our experience is creating a patient focused service offering the very best in healthcare support meeting the needs of our patients. Now we are looking for new members of our team with the personality and passion to do them justice, providing our service users the very best we can offer.

You should be able to work with minimum supervision, being able to use your own initiative and have a cheerful, tactful, sensitive approach to dealing with occasional difficult situations. You should be able to work well under pressure, be motivated with a commitment to provide excellent customer service.

Successful candidates should have a flexible approach, possess excellent communication skills, and able to work as part of a team or independently.

Main duties of the job

Provide safe escort for patients, transferring to and from the Acute Medical Unit as appropriate to their needs or as directed by a qualified member of staff.

Use various modes of transport (e.g. beds & wheelchairs) to transport patients requiring ongoing intense effort throughout the day (e.g. pushing/pulling patients on beds across the site.)

Ensure the timely transfer of patients, including pre-transfer checks and appropriate documentation has been completed (e.g. correct patient identification) and act accordingly

To answer telephone calls, taking and passing on messages

Prepare the clinical area for nursing staff by restocking treatment rooms and cupboards within the patient side rooms/bays.

Act as patient advocate.

Keep the ward in a tidy state and complete daily cleaning tasks to maintain the expected standard.

Deliver and collect equipment from stores as requested by nursing team and this will include collection of medications from pharmacy when patients are being discharged home.

About us

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is the biggest provider of healthcare services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our three main sites are Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro, St Michael's Hospital Hayle and West Cornwall Hospital Penzance, our staff and services are available across the region.

The Trust employs 5,000+ staff, has a budget of £380 million and 750 beds. We work with health and social care organisations -including NHS Kernow and NHS England- to ensure local healthcare needs are met. We provide acute medical, surgical and specialist services to around 500,000- which can increase significantly during busy holiday periods.

The Trust has teaching hospitals status as part of the University of Exeter Medical School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we continually develop clinical services and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally.

We can offer you a rewarding career in a supportive working environment. We have extensive educational links to help you realise your full potential and develop skills to provide outstanding healthcare to the local community.

Enjoy an outstanding quality of life in a place that offers surfing beaches and fishing harbours to beautiful countryside and historic towns. With clean air, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and excellent schools, colleges and universities (including adult education) it is the ideal place for families and for you to develop your own career.