Job Title: Transporter
Department: Nursing
Job Function: Nursing
Reporting to: Radiology CNM3
Location: Radiology
Job Purpose
The Hospital Porter plays an essential role in supporting the safe, efficient, and compassionate day-to-day operation of the hospital. The post holder is responsible for the timely movement of patients, equipment, supplies, and other items throughout the hospital, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, dignity, safety, and customer care at all times.
Job Background/Context
Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each department provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services at ward level.
Key Responsibilities
Operations
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Transport patients safely and respectfully throughout the hospital, including transfers to and from wards, the Emergency Department, Radiology, theatres, outpatient departments, and other clinical areas.
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Escort patients to and from the hospital front entrance and assist with admission, discharge, or transfer as required, ensuring comfort, dignity, and a positive patient experience.
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Assist patients and visitors with mobility needs, including the use of wheelchairs, trolleys, and other mobility aids, in line with manual handling training and hospital procedures.
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Support transfers between the Emergency Department and Radiology, and between other diagnostic, treatment, and clinical areas, ensuring patient safety and timely service delivery.
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Assist in the safe movement and supervision of patients who may be confused, disoriented, distressed, or who may present a risk to themselves, other patients, staff, or visitors, ensuring a calm, respectful, and supportive approach at all times and escalating concerns appropriately in line with hospital policy.
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Monitor and maintain adequate wheelchair availability throughout the hospital and ensure wheelchairs, trolleys, and associated equipment are clean, safe, and ready for use.
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Check oxygen cylinders on trolleys and ensure they are replaced when required, in accordance with hospital safety procedures.
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Assist in ward and clinical areas with the collection, delivery, assembly, and dismantling of equipment as required.
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Transport goods, supplies, specimens, and equipment safely and efficiently to departments throughout the hospital.
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Carry out mortuary procedures in accordance with relevant Standard Operating Procedures, including assisting with transfers from wards to the mortuary and to and from trolleys as required.
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Provide clear directions and practical assistance to patients, visitors, and staff in a courteous, professional, and helpful manner.
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Respond to patient, visitor, and staff queries effectively and respectfully, maintaining a high standard of customer service at all times.
Quality, Safety and Compliance
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Comply with all hospital quality systems, policies, procedures, and safety standards to support the delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.
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Adhere to all health and safety legislation, hospital policies, and departmental procedures at all times.
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Identify hazards, assess risks, and report concerns promptly to the appropriate personnel in line with hospital policy.
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Apply safe manual handling and lifting techniques at all times and provide support where required in accordance with training and best practice.
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Take all necessary steps to ensure the security and safety of patients, staff, visitors, equipment, and supplies within the working environment.
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Maintain patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
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Work collaboratively with nursing, clinical, administrative, and support services colleagues to ensure the smooth and effective operation of hospital services.
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Support the promotion of a culture of safety, quality improvement, and patient-centred care throughout the organisation.
Essential Criteria
Knowledge / Experience
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Possess a minimum 2nd Level education to Junior / Leaving Certificate Level.
- Have a minimum of 1 year relevant employment in a nursing home or hospital or day care facility within the last 5 years
- (or) Have a minimum of 1 year experience dealing with the public/customer services as relevant to the role.
Skills/ Competencies
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Customer service
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IT skills
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Quality focus
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
