Theatre Porter

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post is (as of 01/06/26):

€36,651- €38,130 - €39,687 - €40,101 - €41,118 - €41,998, €43,264, €44,577, €45,939

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Purpose of the Post The provision of high-quality porter service to all patients and service users in line with hospital service needs, national standards, national and local policies, procedures and guidelines and cleaning standards.

Support the provision of a high quality, safe and professional customer focussed service.

Duties assigned to the Theatre Porter staff will vary depending on the requirements of the care setting/Theatre speciality.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.

• Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him / her during his/her work.

• The person holding this post is required to work in a Support Service Team within the Theatre department/complex.

• Maintain a strict code of personal and general hygiene in the workplace as per work schedules, existing policies and procedures and Infection Control guidelines.

• Performance management systems are part of role, and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme.

• Have knowledge of the Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards and how they apply to the role, e.g. Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Infections, Hygiene Standards, etc.

• Adhere to HSE national and local policy, procedure, protocol and guidelines (PPPG’s).

• To be aware of Statutory Occupational Health & Safety Legislation under the Safety, Health & Welfare Act, 1989.

• Ensure efficient and economical use of materials and equipment.

• Ensure proper use of cleaning materials and equipment, reporting any defects for repair to the Supervisor.

• Carry assigned bleep/phone and be contactable at all times.

• Ensure that duties are carried out as specified.

• Be responsible for the general cleaning and decontamination of equipment used in the service area as per cleaning specification and schedules including the completion of relevant checklists and application of ‘I am Clean’ tags; Staff are expected to familiarise and receive relevant training for all equipment

• Ensure completion and maintenance of relevant documentation and records i.e. signing off on work completed.

• Be responsible for checking oxygen/medical gas supplies and associated equipment to ensure that oxygen/medical gas supplies are always maintained to meet requirements.

• Assist with patient care as required including working with multidisciplinary staff in all areas of the Tipperary University Hospital.

• To participate in any service developments as may be required from time to time.

• To be aware of and comply with policies, directives, guidelines and recommendations from statutory bodies in relation to Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Infection Control, Environmental Health, HACCP, HIQA and Waste Management.

• To present for work in full and proper clean uniform at rostered time

• To demonstrate a friendly and co-operative attitude towards visitors/relatives/staff.

• Rotate with roster duties when required.

• To report to immediate Supervisor on any irregularities that might adversely affect the carrying out of assigned duties.

• To prepare such other duties appropriate to this employment as may be assigned.

Theatre Porter Duties

• To undertake/maintain a satisfactory standard of work.

• Present a professional approach when dealing with the public, staff and patients, while performing the duties of Theatre Porter.

• To perform such duties as may be assigned. These duties include: -

o Transportation of patients to and from wards, theatre complex

o Movement of patients on/off trolleys, tables, beds etc.

o Assist with positioning of patients intra-operatively

o Assist with positioning of props/equipment

o Store and stock management

o Washing and cleaning of Theatre area

o Preparing cleaning solutions

o Cleaning equipment and fittings

o Moving equipment and furniture within the theatre complex and other departments as required

o Delivery/collection of laundry packs, stores and other items as required

o Removal of used linen/scrubs

o Removal of waste

o Ensure adequate supply of suits, fresh linen and laundry bags

o To provide proper care and attention to all patients

o Transport specimens to laboratory as requested

o Collection/return of blood/blood products from laboratory to place in satellite fridge or into theatre as required, as per blood tracking guidelines and procedure

• The Theatre service operates over 7 days per week (depending on site), working hours will / can include: Night Duty, Evening duty, Weekend Work, Unsocial Hours and Shift work

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT TO BE REGARDED AS EXHAUSTIVE OR RESTRICTIVE AS SERVICE NEED MAY DICTATE ADDITIONS OR MODIFICATIONS FROM TIME TO TIME.

Health & Safety

• In accordance with Health and Safety at work policy, it is each staff members responsibility to observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work.

• To use all equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner and in line with manufacturer guidelines.

• Understand and adhere to all relevant HSE policies, comply with health and safety, infection, prevention and control and risk management procedures and comply with statutory obligations.

• Report any risk, incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patient/ clients/residents, staff or visitors and take appropriate action.

• Report any accidents or near misses to the person in charge and ensure completion of incident / near miss forms.

• Report any equipment faults/defects to person in charge (e.g. department manager/Supervisor) and ensure all equipment is stored safely.

• Undertake duties related to patient/ client / resident care for which he/she is trained.

• Attend training courses as required e.g. Cleanpass, HACCP, Manual Handling, Fire Prevention, IP&C, medical gases, etc.

• Conduct his / herself in a manner that ensures safe patient/client care.

• Support. Promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service amongst staff.

• Adhere to the Public Health (Tobacco Amendment Act 2004), smoking within the Hospital Building and grounds is not permitted.

Education & Training

• Attend induction and mandatory in-service education.

• As directed participate in the induction of new staff.

• Maintain continuous personal and participate in team-based development, education, training and learning.

• Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with his / her line manager.

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 and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must, on the latest date for receiving application form possess:

Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

(i) Obtained at least grade D (or 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 Leaving Certificate Applied.

Or

(ii) Passed an examination of at least equivalent standard

Or

(iii) Satisfactory relevant experience which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills

Health

A candidate 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.

Character

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

Post Specific Requirements Demonstrate depth and breadth of previous experience as a porter / attendant working directly with patients in an acute hospital setting.

Other requirements specific to the post Flexibility regarding working hours as role will include working unsocial and flexible hours including evenings and weekends and night duty as this is a 24/7 service.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i) EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii) Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge:

• Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of HIQA, National and Local standards and the requirement in this role to adhere to same.

• Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of transferring materials and equipment safely and maintaining sterility where necessary.

• Demonstrate knowledge in the area of healthcare.

• Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.

• Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient centred service.

Teamwork:

• Demonstrate ability to work independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team building and maintaining relationships and understanding and valuing individuals and their respective professional roles.

• Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

• Demonstrate ability to maintain open communication channels with team members and others as appropriate.

Planning and Organising:

• Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan and organise work effectively and efficiently.

• Demonstrate flexible approach to working hours, rostering, e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work.

• Demonstrate the ability to co-ordinate and schedule activities and ability to manage unexpected scenarios when they arise

• Demonstrate ability to work under pressure.

Commitment to Quality Service:

• Demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service.

• Demonstrates a meticulous approach to work and pays attention to detail in order to ensure high quality results

• Demonstrate evidence of proactively uses quality standards and procedures, and monitors and reviews his/ her own work, to ensure its quality and accuracy

• Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with colleagues in a professional and respectful manner.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with patients in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner.

• Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP and other documents.

• Demonstrate ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding/avoid misinterpretation.

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