Clinical Support Porter

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a motivated portering assistant to support the Minor Injuries Unit at Southmead Hospital. You will escort patients, transfer equipment, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

The role requires manual handling, good communication, and the ability to work as part of a busy, multidisciplinary team. Full training will be provided, with emphasis on infection prevention and patient care.

Qualifications

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Willingness to undertake NHS role-specific mandatory training, including manual handling.
• Health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Assist with moving patients and equipment using wheelchairs and trolleys.
• Escort patients and supplies around the department.
• Support cleaning, stock checks, and waste management to keep areas orderly.
• Respond to requests to support the smooth running of the unit.

Skills

Manual handling

Communication skills

Teamwork

Health & safety awareness

Job description

Job Overview

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role.

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If you're a motivated and reliable team player who thrives in a busy clinical environment where every day is different, join our new Minor Injuries team and help shape the future of urgent care at Southmead Hospital.

This role combines healthcare portering, patient support and operational duties within our Minor Injuries Unit, ensuring the smooth running of the service and a positive patient experience.

You will be responsible for escorting and transferring patients; transporting equipment, documents and supplies throughout the department; preparing areas for patient care; managing stock levels; and helping maintain a safe, organised and welcoming environment.

With a friendly, approachable manner and excellent communication skills, you will play an important role in supporting patients and families who may feel concerned or distressed when attending the Minor Injuries Unit.

You will be able to prioritise tasks effectively, supporting the smooth running of the unit and enabling clinical teams to deliver safe, efficient patient care.

As the role involves manual handling and regular patient interaction, you must be able to meet its physical and emotional demands.

Whilst experience in healthcare, portering, facilities, hospitality, retail, warehouse or other customer-facing environments would be beneficial, we are equally interested in your values, attitude and willingness to learn. Full training will be provided.

Previous applicants need not apply

Main duties of the job

As Part Of This Role, You Will

• support patients and clinical teams with the movement and transfer of patients using wheelchairs and trolleys,
• escort patients, equipment, documents and supplies safely around the department,
• support clinical staff with preparing areas for patient care
• respond promptly to requests for colleague to support the smooth running of the unit.

You Will Be Responsible For

• stock management and organisation,
• checking and replenishing clinical and non-clinical supplies,
• ensuring treatment rooms and storage facilities are fully stocked and organised,
• receive, unpack and distribute deliveries
• report shortages, damaged equipment or expired stock.
• Keeping the Minor Injuries Unit clean, tidy and well organised.
• Supporting infection prevention and control standards.
• Cleaning equipment and designated areas in line with Trust procedures.
• Managing linen and waste safely and appropriately.
• Reporting any hazards, maintenance concerns or equipment faults.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert.

• Undertake manual handling tasks safely.
• Push wheelchairs, trolleys and equipment.
• Spend significant periods of time walking and standing.
• Work around patients with injuries, illness and distress.
• Support care for vulnerable patients and relatives.
• Maintain professionalism when managing challenging situations.

Person specification

Education

Essential criteria

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• Willingness to undertake NHS role specific mandatory training including Health & safety and manual handling
• Health & safety Awareness

Work experience

• Ability to undertake practical tasks including moving equipment, maintaining clean and tidy areas, following guidance
• Basic IT skills and ability to learn electronic record keeping systems

Desirable criteria

• Experience in a healthcare or support role (portering, cleaning, facilities, retail, warehouse)

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Understanding of confidentiality in healthcare
• Awareness of infection control, safe waste disposal and linen handling

Personal qualities

• A desire to work in healthcare
• Commitment to equality diversity and inclusion

• As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
• The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.
• BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.
• If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
• The Trust