Support Team Assistant

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Support Team Assistant (Portering). The role involves transporting patients on beds, trolleys and wheelchairs, moving equipment and supporting hospital operations, with shifts across Early, Late and Night periods.

We value proactive, reliable team players who can work under pressure, follow procedures and maintain confidentiality. A full driving license is required and training is provided.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade A-D or equivalent.
• Knowledge of health and safety and COSHH.
• Infection control knowledge.
• Health and safety certification.
• Experience in a customer-focused role.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous NHS or not-for-profit healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Safely move patients between departments using appropriate equipment.
• Move medical equipment safely and compliantly.
• Work as part of a team to support patient care and hospital operations.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and ask for guidance from Supervisors/Line manager when necessary.
• Movement of deceased patients to the mortuary as required.

Skills

Physically fit

Team player

Good verbal communication

Basic computer skills

Education

5 GCSEs A–D

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Support Team Assistant

The closing date is 25 November 2026

Support Team, Support Services

Band 2

37.50 hours per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

We are seeking proactive, hardworking, energetic, enthusiastic team players to join our busy Support Team as Support Team Assistants (Portering). Our team provides an invaluable service, transporting patients on beds, trolleys and wheelchairs across the hospital site. We are involved with various other duties including collecting and delivering equipment and samples, distributing and changing medical gases, moving furniture, taking waste out of the building, attending emergencies within the trust, supporting our emergency clinical colleagues.

Applicants must be reliable, trustworthy and committed to always maintaining confidentiality, in line with Trust policies and must possess a full driving license.

The Support Team runs all year, every day. The shifts are variable and are rostered in advance.

All applicants will be required to work all the following shifts.

Early 07:00-15:00

Late 15:00-23:00

Night 23:00-07:00

Starting Salary is £25,272 plus enhanced rates between 20:00 and 06:00 Monday to Friday, Weekends and bank holidays.

Mandatory and on the job training will be provided.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Interview date: 01.12.2026

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

Main duties of the job

This is a physically demanding role, requiring the ability to lift, carry, pull, push and involves a lot or walking. This role requires you to be active for prolonged periods of time. This is a challenging and demanding post, applicants must be confident, approachable, able to work under pressure and to deadlines. You will need to be customer focused and can communicate with staff on all levels, internal and external.

• To safely move patients between departments as required by clinical service teams.
• To physically move medical equipment in a safe and compliant manner.
• To work as part of a team to provide service that supports all aspects of patient care and the general running of the hospital.
• To follow Standard Operating Procedures and ask for guidance/advice from Supervisors/Line manager when necessary.

About us

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.

As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.

We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the‑art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24‑bed wards.

Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.

Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -

For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes

Job responsibilities

Transfer patients/visitors using appropriate equipment (wheelchairs, beds, trolleys) this may also include using Manual handling procedures such as Pat sliding techniques.

Movement of Deceased

Movement of deceased patients from clinical areas to the mortuary using clinical manual handling as necessary, duties include registration of details into Mortuary book and placement of deceased in relevant area within the mortuary facility.

Specimen Collection

Collect pathology specimens, containers and units of blood as and when required in accordance with safe handling procedures.

Laundry and Rubbish duties

Provide a laundry and rubbish service, using specialised equipment in line with the Trusts Waste Policy and Infection, Prevention and Control Manual.

Gas Cylinder Replacement

To replenish gas supply where required and to check the cylinder/regulators for leaks in accordance with defined procedures. Report all faults relating to medical gas cylinders/regulators in compliance with approved processes.

Fire alarm activations

Respond to fire alarm activations in accordance with the Trust procedures and to offer assistance during the incident, to ensure safety of staff, visitors and patients.

Cardiac Arrests & Major Incidents

Respond to calls of cardiac arrests and major incident to provide assistance to the medical staff, this may include, collection of equipment, specimen delivery and cordoning off of the area from public view.

Show reasonable judgement during emergency situations, i.e. Fire alarms and Major Incidents.

Please refer to the job description for further details

Person Specification

Qualifications and knowledge

• 5 GCSEs at grade A - D or equivalent. International qualifications will only be accepted if they meet or exceed GCSE standard and the applicant must state this on the application form. Good verbal and written skills is a must.
• Knowledge of health and safety and COSHH.
• An understanding of infection control and a basic knowledge of hospital acquired infections
• Health and safety certification

Experience

• Experience in a customer focused role
• Experience of working in a fast paced and busy environment
• Previous employment in the NHS or a not for profit healthcare setting

Skills

• Physically fit and able to undertake load bearing tasks
• Able to work under pressure, multitask, prioritise workload and follow instruction
• Basic computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft applications including databases
• Basic understanding of medical terms and references

Personal and people development

• Evidence of team working ability.
• Evidence of working on own initiative
• Good analytical and organisational skills
• A genuine interest in the NHS and personal career development including a desire to train and progress.

Communication

• A good level of verbal communication.

Specific requirements

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations

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.

Employer name

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust