Porter

Image of man smiling, wearing a black baseball cap and NHS Prince's Trust uniform

Porters are the people who make sure critical items are delivered in a hospital. They also help patients get to the right place to get treatment.

This is a critical job which involves being on your feet. You may be required to carry heavy loads so this is a good option for anyone who wants to keep fit while working. You will also be talking with patients as you transport them through the site so good communication skills and empathy are important.

Responsibilities

  • Moving patients (particularly those in wheelchairs or stretchers) 

  • Medical equipment, including gas cylinders (for example, in maternity wards), bedding sheets, blood samples, and post 

  • You may also have other duties that include replacing curtains around ward beds, helping the domestic services team, and making sure roads are gritted so that emergency vehicles can access the hospital 

  • You may drive an NHS vehicle around or between sites when transporting items 

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Career opportunities

  • You can progress in this team to become a Team Leader or Supervisor, managing a group of porters  

  • You can transfer to other roles in the facilities team, such as health and safety, security, domestic services, or being part of the grounds staff 

In the NHS, it’s all about getting your foot in the door. After you start, you can learn more about the different areas, and this role will help you gain many of the skills and contacts you’ll need to get there.

Key information

  • Typical salary: £18,000 to £21,000 (37.5 hours per week) 

  • Often includes shift work (days, nights, weekends, bank holidays)

  • Up to 27 days annual leave

  • No qualifications or prior experience needed, including GSCEs, A-Levels, or BTECs 

  • Employers will be looking for people who are friendly, helpful, physically capable, and can follow instructions carefully

  • There is good availability of this role throughout the UK

  • Eligible for NHS worker discounts

Image of Prince's Trust alum and Porter Dino, in the laundry room at a hospital
"I’m feeling positive about the future. I have a great team of work mates and the bonus was I met my wife on the course too! It was all meant to happen in more ways than one." Dino