Patient Transport DriverNHS

Job summary

QE Facilities is looking for a caring, reliable and patient-focused Patient Transport Driver to join our Patient Transport Service (PTS), based at Spire House, Washington.

Our Patient Transport Service primarily supports patient discharges from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE), helping patients return home safely and in a timely manner following their hospital stay. The service also supports patient transfers between healthcare facilities and transport to and from healthcare appointments.

As a Patient Transport Driver, you will play an important role in supporting the hospital's discharge process, helping patients leave hospital safely and ensuring they are treated with dignity, compassion and respect throughout their journey.

You will be responsible for driving and assisting on a non-emergency patient transport ambulance, providing reassurance and practical support to patients who may have mobility difficulties or require assistance when travelling. You will work closely with your crew members, supervisors and hospital staff to deliver a safe, efficient and responsive service.

We are looking for someone with a caring nature, good communication skills, a professional approach and the flexibility to respond to the changing demands of a busy patient transport service.

Main duties of the job

Providing safe and timely transport for patients discharged from hospital, as well as supporting appointments and transfers between healthcare facilities.

Treating patients with dignity, respect, compassion and empathy, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout their journey.

Assisting patients with boarding and leaving vehicles, using wheelchairs, restraints and approved moving and handling equipment safely.

Supporting patients with mobility difficulties when entering or leaving their homes.

Working with hospital staff, colleagues and supervisors to coordinate collections and ensure effective patient handovers.

Planning journeys and responding to traffic conditions and changing priorities to minimise delays.

Completing daily vehicle safety checks and promptly reporting defects, damage or equipment concerns.

Maintaining vehicle cleanliness and equipment in line with infection prevention and control procedures.

Completing patient records, journey documentation and vehicle checks accurately.

Recognising and reporting patient safety or wellbeing concerns, following appropriate escalation procedures.

Following organisational policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Completing mandatory training and maintaining the skills required for the role.

Working flexibly to meet service demands, including changes to duties and shift finishing times.

Job description

Patient Transport and Discharge Support

Provide safe, timely and compassionate non-emergency patient transport, primarily supporting patient discharges from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Assist in facilitating the safe transfer of patients from hospital to their homes, working in accordance with agreed procedures and operational priorities.

Undertake transport for patient appointments and transfers between healthcare facilities as required.

Ensure patients are treated with dignity, respect, compassion and consideration throughout their journey.

Assist patients with entering and leaving vehicles, using approved equipment and moving and handling techniques appropriate to their needs.

Provide reasonable assistance to patients when entering or leaving their homes, taking appropriate care to protect their safety and the security of their property.

Ensure patients are safely secured in the vehicle using the appropriate seat belts, wheelchair restraints and other approved safety equipment.

On arrival at the destination, assist patients to the appropriate location in accordance with service procedures and individual needs.

Complete patient handovers in accordance with organisational policies and report any concerns about a patient's wellbeing to the appropriate person.

Maintain patient confidentiality and handle all personal information in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

Driving and Journey Management

Drive patient transport vehicles safely and responsibly, complying with road traffic legislation and organisational driving policies.

Plan and manage journeys effectively, taking account of discharge priorities, patient destinations, appointment times, traffic conditions and operational requirements.

Respond appropriately to traffic delays and changes to scheduled journeys to support the efficient delivery of the service.

Communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues and relevant hospital staff regarding collections, delays and changes to transport arrangements.

Operate vehicle communication systems in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

Maintain accurate journey records, mileage, timesheets and other required operational documentation.

Vehicle Safety, Maintenance and Infection Prevention

Complete daily vehicle safety and roadworthiness checks before commencing duties.

Check vehicle condition, including tyres, lights, fluid levels, warning devices and other essential safety features.

Report vehicle defects, damage, equipment faults and other safety concerns promptly.

Ensure required vehicle equipment is available, fit for purpose and maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.

Maintain the cleanliness of vehicles and equipment in line with infection prevention and control policies.

Remove and replace soiled linen and used equipment as required, following the appropriate procedures.

Ensure the vehicle accident pack and other required safety items are available.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses and vehicle damage in accordance with organisational policies.

Health, Safety and Risk Management

Follow relevant health and safety policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Apply approved moving and handling techniques and use appropriate equipment in accordance with training.

Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise risks to patients, colleagues and members of the public.

Respond appropriately to incidents and administer first aid within the limits of your training and competence.

Report accidents, incidents, safeguarding concerns and aggressive or abusive behaviour to the appropriate manager or supervisor.

Complete patient report forms and incident documentation accurately and promptly when required.

Undertake mandatory and role-specific training, including manual handling, safeguarding, conflict management, health and safety, and infection prevention and control.

Teamwork and Service Delivery

Work collaboratively with drivers, crew members, supervisors, managers, hospital staff and other healthcare professionals.

Maintain effective communication with hospital teams to support the coordination of patient discharges and other transport requirements.

Participate in the Patient Transport Service rota and undertake duties as directed to maintain effective service delivery.

Remain flexible in response to changing operational demands, including variations in duties and shift finishing times where required.

Provide support to the wider Transport Department when necessary and appropriate to service requirements.

Participate in appraisals, mandatory training, service audits and continuous improvement activities.

Maintain professional standards, wear the required uniform and identification badge, and comply with QE Facilities policies and procedures.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have a full UK driving licence, good communication and interpersonal skills, effective route-planning abilities and a caring, patient-focused approach.

They must be able to work independently and as part of a team, manage changing priorities, maintain accurate records and demonstrate flexibility in a busy operational environment. An awareness of health and safety, vehicle checks and safe working practices is essential.

Experience of driving commercial vehicles is desirable. Previous experience in patient transport, a healthcare environment, care work or customer service would also be advantageous.

The post holder must be willing to undertake all mandatory training and demonstrate a commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, dignity and the delivery of a reliable, high-quality service.

About us

QE Facilities provides a range of services that support the delivery of healthcare across the organisation and its partner services.

Our Patient Transport Service plays a key role in supporting the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with our primary focus being the safe and timely transportation of patients following discharge. By helping patients return home when they are ready to leave hospital, the service contributes to the effective management of hospital capacity and supports the wider discharge process.

Alongside discharges, the team provides transport for patient appointments and transfers between healthcare facilities, ensuring patients receive the assistance they need to travel safely.

Working within a busy operational environment, you will collaborate with hospital teams, healthcare professionals and fellow transport colleagues to coordinate journeys and respond to changing service demands. Every journey is an opportunity to make a positive difference to a patient's experience, particularly at a time when they may feel anxious, vulnerable or uncertain about returning home.

We are looking for individuals who take pride in their work, demonstrate compassion and professionalism, and understand the importance of delivering a reliable, patient-centred service.

You will join a team where safety, teamwork, accountability and high standards of patient care are central to the service we provide.