Hospital porters move patients around the hospital, for example, taking someone from a ward to the x-ray department and back again. They use a wheelchair or sometimes a trolley. They would also remove dead bodies from the ward to the mortuary.

Other duties are likely to include:

• taking meals to patients and clean linen to wards
• moving furniture and equipment
• delivering post, files and specimens to different parts of the hospital.

Porters may also dispose of waste, which can sometimes be hazardous, so they will be required to wear some protective clothing whilst undertaking these duties.

In some hospitals the porter may be required to help with security, which could involve working on the reception desk.

Hours and Environment

Hospital porters work 39 hours a week, mainly shifts and often including weekends. They can work days only, although this is unusual. Part-time work is possible.

A hospital porter can work anywhere on the hospital site including outside, whatever the weather. Duties can include lifting and carrying. They spend a lot of time standing and walk long distances.

Skills and Interests

As a hospital porter, you will need:

• good communication skills for dealing with other hospital staff, patients and the general public in a friendly and helpful manner
• to be physically fit and active
• the ability to cope well under pressure
• the ability to act calmly and quickly in emergencies
• to be able to follow instructions
• to be reliable and hardworking
• to be able to cope well with sickness, death and distress.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications, but you must have a good standard of literacy and numeracy. Interviews may include a medical examination and physical fitness test. A driving licence may be necessary for work in larger hospitals where time may be spent in a number of buildings.

There is no set minimum entry age, but most applicants are over 18. There is no upper age limit and mature applicants are very welcome. 

Qualifications and employment experience in health care or other fields involving working with the public is very useful. To gain insight into this role some people volunteer in a hospital, helping the porter with his/her duties.

Training

Training is given on the job and initially involves a short induction course covering:

• general information about the hospital
• health and safety issues
• safe lifting techniques 
• how to transport equipment.

Opportunities

Most hospital porters are employed by the NHS, although there are opportunities in the private sector. Competition for posts is likely to be high.

Individuals with suitable skills and personal qualities may achieve promotion to a more senior post. To progress into a team leader position you may need qualifications in supervision and management.

It may be possible to move into another area of health care such as the ambulance service or nursing. See relevant job profiles for more information.

Vacancies for hospital porters are advertised in the local press, job centres and through local NHS trusts/hospitals.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Hospital porters working in the NHS receive a basic pay of around £11,700, rising to around £15,100 a year with experience.
Hospital porters in a team leader position can earn up to £17,000.

There are additional payments for working overtime and shifts. Salaries in private hospitals are based on those in the NHS.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk