Job summary
To provide an effective and efficient transport service which delivers and collects items such as laboratory specimens, post, medical records, lab stores, sterile supplies, furniture, computer and office equipment in addition to driving staff transportation vehicles.
Main duties of the job
- To undertake driving duties to the required standard subject to appropriate training, driving vehicles carefully with every consideration being given to the passenger, any equipment, the vehicle itself, other road users and to comply with Road Traffic Legislation.
- It is of primary importance that the speed limit is adhered to in all cases, and that driving is safe, and the patient is comfortable. All equipment/ specimens are transported in a safe and careful manner.
- The post holder will be expected to plan their journeys, considering the routes they should take, to ensure an efficient and effective service.
- The post holder is required to undertake daily vehicle checks to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy; these checks shall include for example: oil, water, fuel, tyre pressure and tread condition, lights, warning devices etc.
- Complete a daily VDI report for the vehicle or ensuring that where appropriate your crew member has done so before commencing a shift.
- Report defects and deficiencies of the vehicle and equipment and replace all items of vehicle inventory used in accordance with Policies and Procedures.
- To maintain the vehicle and equipment in accordance with the organisation's infection control policy
- Remove and replace soiled items and equipment in order to maintain sanitary conditions.
About us
Based in the North East of England we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital, all within Gateshead.
Established in 2005, we were one of the first foundation trusts in the country and since then have consistently achieved the highest levels of care for patients.
We now employ around 4,800 staff and currently provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region.
Our values should be the 'golden thread' which runs through everything we do - they are the core of who we are. Our five values can easily be remembered by the simple acronymICORE; Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
We have a number of staff networks including the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) network, D-Ability network, LGBTQ+ Network and the Women's Network, to challenge us and help us to constantly improve. Our Armed Forces network is one of our emerging networks.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is one of our highest priorities, and we offer a range of support and initiatives as part of our 'Balance' programme balancegateshead.com to cater for our diverse workforce, so that your individual needs can be supported, allowing you a happy and healthy working experience with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Driving vehicles adhering to schedules and driving regulations.
Moderate to intense physical effort while lifting and carrying items (up to 25kgs) in line with Trust and Directorate policies and procedures.
Deliveries up and down stairs in some locations.
Daily exposure to bodily fluids, blood, fresh tissue, infective agents, and hazardous chemicals associated with pathology specimen collection and transportation, plus patient transport services.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g., inclement weather, exposure to fumes, dust, and dirt.
Regularly washing and cleaning of vans exterior and interior.
Varying degrees of mental effort are required throughout the day e.g., there will be a requirement to take instructions, Customer Care Managers. & Pathology staff some of which will need to be written down and these instructions may alter the transport run previously given to driver.
Driving in all types of weather/light conditions requiring mental awareness.
Ability to plan routes, responding to changes as required e.g., traffic problems.
Job description
Job responsibilities
-
Driving vehicles adhering to schedules and driving regulations.
Moderate to intense physical effort while lifting and carrying items (up to 25kgs) in line with Trust and Directorate policies and procedures.
Deliveries up and down stairs in some locations.
Daily exposure to bodily fluids, blood, fresh tissue, infective agents, and hazardous chemicals associated with pathology specimen collection and transportation, plus patient transport services.
Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g., inclement weather, exposure to fumes, dust, and dirt.
Regularly washing and cleaning of vans exterior and interior.
Varying degrees of mental effort are required throughout the day e.g., there will be a requirement to take instructions, Customer Care Managers. & Pathology staff some of which will need to be written down and these instructions may alter the transport run previously given to driver.
Driving in all types of weather/light conditions requiring mental awareness.
Ability to plan routes, responding to changes as required e.g., traffic problems.
Person Specification
Shortlisting criteria
Essential
- Experience of driving commercial vehicles (2)
- Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy (2)
- Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. (2)
- Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of specimens. (2)
- Able to prioritise urgent schedules. (2)
- Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations (2)
- Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance (2)
Desirable
- Experience or knowledge working in an NHS / Transport Environment (2)
- Manual Handling Skills (2)
Person Specification
Shortlisting criteria
Essential
- Experience of driving commercial vehicles (2)
- Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy (2)
- Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. (2)
- Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of specimens. (2)
- Able to prioritise urgent schedules. (2)
- Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations (2)
- Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance (2)
Desirable
- Experience or knowledge working in an NHS / Transport Environment (2)
- Manual Handling Skills (2)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.