So when you have to move deceased people do you have to wait for a certain time or is there a secret way to go out of public eye or do you just cover with sheet and get on with it?
We have a trolley with a cover, people are generally oblivious but we do try to go the least congested routes.
Are people getting ruder? Patients and/or staff? Are you noticing more upset patients during your shifts?
Patients, no. By the time I see them they're just happy to be getting a scan/going to a ward and alot understand the massive struggles we're facing at work each day. You get the odd one who's an idiot but you always did.
Staff on the other hand, yes, people are more short tempered but it's understandable, especially when you've got 35 patients on the ward and only 2 trained nurses! I could never do that job
Do you move people from the operating theatre to the recovery area or do the nurses do that bit?
I do for minor ops/cath lab but main theatres have their own porters
I was in resus once and they closed everyones curtains and doors
I presume for a dead body to be removed
Is this protocol?
Yes that is protocol, to protect the dignity of the deceased and to protect the other patients from seeing. It's not pleasant
Have you ever been scared of a patient you were transporting
Not really, any offenders are always with police and cuffed to the bed if violent. I've been hit by a dementia patient but I wasn't scared and I'm never alone with patients like that.
Thank you. Porters are definitely some of the unsung heroes of the NHS. And always know what's going on everywhere in the hospital!
We get all the best gossip!
How much do you earn?
band 2.....not enough really for the responsibilities we have, but then no one really earns enough in the NHS!
Do you like your job
i love my job, it keeps me active, I get to talk and meet many people and honestly feel like I'm making a difference