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- Tasks: Join our Portering team to ensure smooth patient transfers and support hospital operations.
- Company: University Hospital Southampton, a leading acute teaching Trust.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Friendly, confident individuals with good communication skills and a willingness to help.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to empowering all team members.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. This post is open to internal employees currently working at UHS.
The Portering Department at UHS is looking for a Porter to join our growing team.
Location: Southampton General Hospital
Contract: Full-time, shift-based (Days, Nights, Early and Twilight shifts across 7 days)
About The Role: Our Portering team plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the hospital every day of the week. As a Hospital Porter, you’ll be responsible for the safe and timely movement of patients, equipment, and essential medical items across the Trust, helping to keep our hospital operating seamlessly. You’ll support clinical teams by transferring patients between wards, departments, and specialist areas such as X-ray or theatres, always ensuring their comfort, dignity, and safety. You’ll also assist with transporting laboratory specimens, blood products, medical equipment, and other vital supplies, as well as attending the helipad to support the Major Trauma team in transferring patients to the Emergency Department or other areas of the hospital. This is a highly rewarding role where no two days are the same, and you’ll be a key part of the wider hospital team making a real difference to patient care.
Working for our organisation: University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. Personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information. At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients. We proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Key Responsibilities:
- To be an integral member of the Portering team and undertake portering duties within the Trust.
- To attend the Helipad to help Major trauma team retrieve and transfer patients to the Emergency Department or other location within the Trust.
- Removal of deceased patients from wards and departments to the mortuary or holding room, passing over the patients’ case notes as required.
- Transport laboratory specimens, blood products between hospital wards and departments.
What experience/skills are needed?
We are looking for confident and friendly individuals with a real appetite to provide a professional service to patients during their transfers. A helpful and courteous manner is required at all times when dealing with patients, visitors and other staff. Shifts will consist of Days, Nights, Early and Twilight shifts across 7 days of the week. Based primarily at the Southampton General Hospital you will be required to transport patients, specimens/blood and other items throughout the site in a reliable, friendly and caring manner and to respond at the Helipad as required.
Person specification:
Physical Requirements of the Post:
Essential criteria: Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act).
Qualifications/Training Required:
Essential criteria: Good standard of literacy and numeracy; A good standard of computer skills.
Desirable criteria: NVQ relating to Customer Care/Public Services.
Previous or Relevant Experience Necessary:
Essential criteria: Previous experience of dealing with the public/other agencies.
Special Requirements of the Post:
Shift work ranging over a 24 hour 7 day period i.e. 0600 to 1400, 1400 to 2200 and 2200 to 0600. Ability to be flexible.
Trust Values:
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
Porter employer: University Hospital Southampton
Contact Detail:
University Hospital Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Porter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hospital! Familiarise yourself with Southampton General Hospital's layout and departments. This will not only help you feel more confident during your interview but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! As a Porter, you'll be interacting with patients and staff all day. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with how to communicate effectively and empathetically.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your flexibility! The job requires shift work, so be ready to discuss your availability during interviews. Highlight your willingness to adapt to different shifts and how you can manage your time effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at UHS. Don’t forget to personalise your application to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Porter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Personalise Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your unique skills and experiences. We want to see what makes you stand out, so don’t just rely on generic content!
Showcase Your People Skills: As a Porter, you'll be interacting with patients and staff regularly. Let us know about your experience in dealing with the public and how you maintain a friendly and helpful attitude.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got any previous experience in customer care or public services, make sure to mention it! We love seeing how your background can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Hospital Southampton
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Porter at UHS. Familiarise yourself with the tasks like patient transfers and equipment movement. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Porter, you'll be interacting with patients and staff regularly. Be prepared to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service or handled difficult situations in the past. Highlighting your friendly and courteous manner will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
The role requires shift work and teamwork. Be ready to discuss your availability for various shifts and how you can contribute to a positive team environment. Sharing experiences where you've worked collaboratively will show that you’re a great fit for their team.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Care
UHS values patient care highly. Prepare to talk about why you want to work in healthcare and how you can make a difference in patients' lives. Showing your passion for helping others will align with their Trust values and set you apart from other candidates.