Porter

Purpose of the Post

Job summary

The main functions of the post involve the transportation of patients and supplies within the Hospital and any other duties appropriate to the grade, which may be assigned from time to time.

The standard working week applying to the post is: 39 hours delivered on a 5 over 7-day roster including days/nights and weekends. The nature of the post may involve/require attendance at the Hospital outside of scheduled hours.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Take direction and guidance from Patient Services Officer(s) /Relevant Department Head in relation to duties for the most efficient provision of customer care to all the patients using St John’s Hospital.

• Report for duty on time and at the designated place of duty as prescribed.

• Perform duties efficiently, effectively and economically in line with best practice and/or as directed by Management in the provision of a quality service at all times and to be flexible in the performance of such duties/assignments.

• Strictly adhere to operational policies and procedures specific to designated area of duty

• Always maintain confidentiality of all matters pertaining to the hospital, staff and patients in every way, e.g. electronic, physical paperwork, verbal etc.

GENERAL

• Deal with customer/staff/patient queries in a courteous, effective and efficient manner.

• Collect and dispose of hospital refuse, clinical waste and laundry in line with Hospital policy.

• Collection\Transportation of e.g. reports, medical records, instruments, medical equipment, specimens, laboratory supplies etc. as required

• Collection/transportation of supplies/equipment within the Hospital.

• Assembly/dismantling of supplies/equipment within the Hospital as specified by the Patient Services Officer and within the technical competence of the porter grade.

• Assist in the lifting, mobilising, and transportation of patients as per Hospital policy and health and safety guidelines, using the necessary aids/tools as provided.

• Assist with the preparation of deceased patients and transfer to the mortuary.

• Collection and delivery of internal/external deliveries, throughout the campus.

• Changing and movement of oxygen and other gas cylinders.

• Carry out cleaning duties in designated areas as required in accordance with infection control and health and safety guidelines.

• Telephone, Reception, and Switchboard duties as required.

• Carry cordless phone as required.

• Maintain stock levels as required, as directed by the local department supervisor.

• Grounds maintenance/waste duties on Bank Holidays or Weekends as required.

• Closing and locking of the Hospital Main Gate plus the Stores and UCC gates.

• Locking and unlocking of doors as required.

• Liaising and working effectively with the Security Personnel to assist in the provision of a safe and secure hospital environment

• Assist with any other duties within the scope of the role, e.g. Medical Records, Pathways etc.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE AT WORK

• Be familiar with and comply with Health & Safety policies, procedures and standards.

• Adhere to Hospital infection control policy and be aware of and exercise best practice in relation to personal hygiene.

• Adhere to the prescribed dress code and have available to wear any personal protective equipment provided including protective clothing and protective footwear at all times whilst on duty.

• Use any safety equipment provided.

• Take all the necessary steps to ensure the maximum security and safety of the working area and all equipment and supplies contained therein. Be aware of chemicals and usage in line with hospital policy and training provided.

• Identify hazards, assess risks and report same as per hospital policy to relevant personnel, and in accordance with individual responsibilities under all Health and Safety legislation and regulations

• Co-operate fully and participate with/in all health and safety training programmes

• Be familiar with and comply with lifting and handling techniques, including the use of equipment/aids provided.

• Be familiar with the Hospital’s Major Emergency Plan and Fire Plan

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

• Actively participate and co-operate fully with all training programmes, including effective application of trained skills whilst carrying out everyday tasks.

• Co-operate with induction training programmes for new employees

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Be aware and comply with all Hospital policies and procedures.

CONFIDENTIALITY

In the course of your employment you may have access to, or hear information concerning, the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.

In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be left in safe custody when no longer required.

You will be required to comply with the legislation in respect of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently. The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to him/her from time to time, to reflect the changing needs of the hospital service.

Flexibility and adaptability must be exercised in dealing with new/emerging situations and emergencies.

The incumbent maybe required to establish, maintain, enhance and develop their operational knowledge, skills and aptitudes in order to respond to a developing service situation.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/or experience

1. Professional Qualifications & Experience

Each candidate must, at the latest date for receipt of completed applications for the post have:

Candidates must on the latest date for receipt of applications:

(i) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

or

(ii) have passed an examination of at least equivalent standard

and

(iii) Candidates must have the personal competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role

Desirable

Working knowledge in word processing, email and electronic systems

Any related course of training including, Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Customer Care etc.

Experience of working in a Hospital/patient care setting is highly desirable

3. Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants recruited since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

4. Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

5. Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Candidates must have a demonstrable competence and capacity to properly discharge the duties of the role.

Essential Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post.

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within guidelines and procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge of Infection Control Policy / Hand Hygiene Policy/Moving & Handling Policy/Health & Safety/Managing Complaints and Managing Challenging Behaviour.

• Demonstrate professionalism at all times in dealing with patients, staff and the public and demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect

• Demonstrate experience of working in a healthcare setting.

Planning & Organising Skills

• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills.

• Demonstrate an organised, methodical and structured approach to work including the ability to meet deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

• Demonstrate experience in working under pressure.

Team Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team and make positive contributions to that team.

• Demonstrate a flexible approach to work.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate a commitment to providing a quality service; including an awareness and appreciation of the service user.

• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative and appreciate the importance of the need to provide quality service for patients/relatives/public.

• Demonstrate the ability to undertake the physical demands of the role.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate information, solve problems and make decisions in a timely manner.

Communication / Interpersonal skills

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills including sufficient command of the English language so as to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrate an interest in caring for people.

• Demonstrate ability to present a neat and tidy appearance

• Demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage a number of issues simultaneously.

• Demonstrate experience in dealing with people

Tenure

The appointment will be permanent, whole time and pensionable.

A panel may be formed from which permanent, whole-time posts may be filled.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.

Remuneration

The salary scale for this post is in accordance with DoH approved salary scales.

01/08/2025: €35,547, €37,409, €38,528, €39,294, €39,958, €40,816, €41,340, €42,233, €43,150

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is: 39 hours delivered on a 5 over 7-day roster including days/nights and weekends.

The nature of the post may involve/require attendance at the Hospital outside of scheduled hours.

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies.

Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager.

Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am–8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).