Theatre Porter in Northampton

We are looking for a reliable, motivated, and enthusiastic individual to join our Theatre Portering Team at Northampton General Hospital. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital behind-the-scenes role in supporting life-saving work every single day. As a Theatre Porter, you will be an essential part of a fast-paced, professional team, helping to ensure theatres run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Your work will directly support clinical staff and contribute to excellent patient care, making a real difference when it matters most.

We are keen to hear from people who are proactive, adaptable, and take pride in doing a great job, even under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills are important, as you will work closely with a wide range of colleagues in a supportive hospital environment.

Main duties of the job:

• To undertake Theatre portering duties for all Theatre areas and associated departments, providing a professional and quality service to all users.
• This will include the safe transportation of patients to and from wards to operating theatres using wheelchairs, trolleys, and beds.
• The movement of equipment, removal of waste bags, laundry, collecting items/sets required for surgery, delivering samples/specimens.
• Maintaining the standards of cleanliness within Operating Theatres and associated areas and other general duties as reasonably requested and relevant to the role of a porter.

Please note: this role does not attract visa sponsorship, so applicants who apply must have the right to work in the UK and have reviewed UKVI guidelines.

About us:

Northampton General Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All of our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.

Our Excellence Values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone's full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities.

We are a Defence positive trust, supporting our reservists, veterans, spouses, and partners. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Job responsibilities:

• Assist with the transportation of patients from the wards and day surgery units into the operating theatre.
• To communicate with all patients that are being transported within the hospital in a sensitive and tactful manner, whilst building a rapport and ensuring they understand any instructions to maintain their safety whilst being transported.
• Transport patients within the hospital in conjunction with Trust policies and departmental procedures.
• Assist with the positioning of patients for surgical procedures.
• Prepare bed packs for patients in theatre.
• Monitor & replace oxygen cylinders as required.
• Undertake errand duties as and when required by the Theatre teams.
• Collect blood for transfusion when required, return when necessary and transport specimens to required laboratory.
• Ensure all rubbish is disposed of in accordance with hospital policy.
• Maintain the general cleanliness of the department by completing cleaning duties as required in designated areas after use.
• Undertake occasional specific isolation cleaning duties when required.
• Collect and monitor clean scrubs, ensuring sufficient levels for daily usage.
• To ensure linen bags are changed as needed.
• Maintain security within the department.
• To 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.
• To contribute to the development of the Theatre Portering Department by putting forward suggestions for improvement.
• Undertake and maintain all mandatory and role-specific training as necessary to enable satisfactory and competent completion of role.
• To carry out all duties in accordance with the Trust's Health & Safety Policy and local departmental working practices.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and in line with the requirements of the post.

Person Specification:

• Able to retain information and learning of practices.
• NVQ, apprenticeship or equivalent in relevant subject.
• Previous experience in customer-facing role.
• Knowledge & understanding of different cultural needs.
• Knowledge of health & safety practices.
• Previous experience working in healthcare.

Skills:

• Able to follow instructions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to multitask effectively.
• Able to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to prioritise.
• Self-motivated.
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role.

Qualities & Attributes:

• Flexible & adaptable to meet the needs of the service.
• Good time management.
• Team player.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.