A hospital porter transports patients, medical equipment and supplies between different hospital departments. Health care recruitment agencies are most typically approached to fill this type of role and we list hundreds across the UK that might be able to meet your requirements.
No formal qualifications are required to become a hospital porter, but applicants will benefit from having experience of working in a health care environment. A diploma in health and social care may be needed for this role. Following entering into employment, new hires will receive induction training and are likely to work under the supervision of experienced staff until they have a sound understanding of their role. Some employers encourage their porters to gain an NVQ Level 2 in support services in health care or an equivalent qualification.
Employers include the NHS, private hospitals and contract companies. Job opportunities for porters can be found in hospitals large and small and are advertised in newspapers, on websites and through recruitment agencies. Working hours may include evenings, weekends and public holidays.
The average salary for a hospital porter is around £22,000 a year. Porters who work overtime and night shifts receive additional payments, as do those working in inner and outer London. With experience, candidates may progress into supervisor or team leader jobs.