Hospital porter

You can get into this job by applying directly.

Volunteering

You might find it useful to get voluntary work experience in a health or care setting.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to get into this job. Work experience in a healthcare setting will be useful, although not essential.

You'll normally need a good standard of literacy and numeracy. Some employers may ask for GCSEs in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Customer service experience can also be useful.

It might help if you have a manual handling or health and safety certificate, although your employer will train you on these when you start.

More Information

Career Tips

When applying for jobs, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a hospital porter from Health Careers.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• a desire to help people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Day-to-day tasks

As a hospital porter, you could:

• transfer patients between wards and departments
• deliver meals and clean linen to wards
• dispose of clinical waste, some of which may be hazardous
• move furniture and medical equipment safely
• take records, samples and pharmacy supplies to different parts of the hospital
• move deceased patients to the mortuary
• deal with post and parcels

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically active.

You may need to wear a uniform.

With experience, you could progress to team leader or supervisor. Your employer may support you to work towards qualifications in supervision and management.