General Porter

About Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust combined on 1st July 2026 to form Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, a large organization delivering over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations with more than 28,000 staff. This merger aims to enhance patient outcomes, provide equitable care, and create greater opportunities for employees. The Trust values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements. They particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates due to underrepresentation.

Role Overview

The General Porter role supports patient and operational services within hospital facilities, focusing mainly on moving patients, consumables, medical equipment, furniture, beds, mattresses, waste, and gases. Responsibilities include cleaning portering equipment, delivering blood products (especially emergency blood), allocating tasks fairly among peers, and providing effective communication with patients, staff, and the public. A full, clean UK manual driving license is essential for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Transporting patients, consumable goods, medical apparatus, beds, mattresses, gases, and waste materials across the hospital.
• Cleaning and maintenance of all portering equipment.
• Delivering blood products, including emergency blood supplies, and handling associated paperwork.
• Assigning tasks to team members on a rotational 'next person' basis to ensure fairness.
• Using systems such as Synbiotix (porter management software) and producing forms required for blood tracking.
• Responding to major incidents as part of the operational team.
• Maintaining effective communication with patients, visitors, staff, and colleagues in a professional, caring manner.

Qualifications and Training

• GCSE level education in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Full, clean UK manual driving license is mandatory.
• Customer service or support experience equivalent to NVQ Level 2.
• Mandatory and departmental training including manual handling, infection control, and blood product handling.
• Induction training specific to the Trust and the Patient Support/Directorate Services team.

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience working in a fast-paced, multifaceted team environment.
• Ability to manage physically demanding tasks such as moving heavy equipment or cages up to 300kg.
• Competency in manual handling and familiarity with automated guided vehicle (AGV) systems.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and colleagues, including in distressing or challenging situations.
• Understanding and implementing Health and Safety standards and protocols.

Working Conditions and Requirements

• The role demands standing and walking for lengthy periods and the capability to undertake physically strenuous activities.
• Exposure to emotionally difficult scenarios, including end-of-life patient care and trauma cases.
• Adherence to Trust policies on professional appearance, including wearing designated uniform and following hygiene protocols.
• Flexibility to work bank holidays as required by service needs.
• Compliance with departmental and Trust rules regarding uniform, jewellery, and infection control.

Equal Opportunities and Additional Information

The Trust actively promotes diversity and seeks to reflect the communities it serves. Staff welfare, health, and career development are priorities, with ongoing support and training provided. Applicants must have fluent English proficiency and comply with relevant UK immigration regulations. Communication throughout the recruitment process is conducted via official Trust email and platforms only.

Please apply promptly as the vacancy may close early subject to application volume. Only candidates who meet the essential criteria and clearly demonstrate this in their applications will be shortlisted.