Approval Officer

A hospital porter moves patients, equipment and numerous other medical related items between the various areas of a hospital. Hospital porters are essential in maintaining the smooth running of a hospital. They transfer patients to and from various locations, such as from the ward to the x-ray department. Porters also provide emotional support to patients. They often must comfort and reassure those who are feeling weak or distressed. Sometimes they also must placate irritable or obstinate patients. The role is always varied and interesting though, as porters help people of different ages and from different walks of life daily. Hospital porters also have the important job of moving vital, often extremely costly, equipment between the different departments of a hospital. They also distribute post, files and specimens. Porters use a variety of specialist healthcare equipment, including, wheelchairs, trolleys and medical beds. A radio pager will be used, which always enables their supervisor to contact them. Porters primarily work with patients, other porters and medical staff. They move throughout the hospital.