Transport Driver

Job summaryTo 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.The post holder will also be responsible for driving or assisting on a non-emergency patient transport ambulance transporting sick, injured or convalescent persons in a comfortable, caring, compassionate, empathic and reassuring, timely manner to defined standards and maintaining journey records.The post holder will need to have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, relatives and health service colleagues. They will also provide a quality service to the patient, their relatives and carers ensuring safety whilst in the care of QE Facilities. 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.- The post holder will be expected to plan their journeys, taking into account patient destinations along with 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 linen and equipment in order to maintain sanitary conditions- Ensure a vehicle accident pack is kept on board the vehicle at all times and report any vehicle damage in accordance with company policy and procedures.- Responsible for vehicle upkeep, cleanliness About usQE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England. We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA). In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice. QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.Job description Job responsibilitiesDriving vehicles adhering to tight 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 responsibilitiesDriving vehicles adhering to tight 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 Experience Essential Experience of driving commercial vehicles Desirable Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment Knowledge Essential Experience & knowledge of Patient Transport Services Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of patients and/or specimens. Able to prioritise urgent schedules. Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance Desirable Manual Handling Skills (movement of patients & equipment Driving Licence Essential Full UK Driving Licence Basic literacy & Numeracy qualifications Desirable First Aid Basic Vehicle Maintenance Categories C1 & D1 on driving licence Customer Services NVQ Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of driving commercial vehicles Desirable Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment Knowledge Essential Experience & knowledge of Patient Transport Services Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of patients and/or specimens. Able to prioritise urgent schedules. Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance Desirable Manual Handling Skills (movement of patients & equipment Driving Licence Essential Full UK Driving Licence Basic literacy & Numeracy qualifications Desirable First Aid Basic Vehicle Maintenance Categories C1 & D1 on driving licence Customer Services NVQ Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 details Employer nameQE Facilities AddressQEF Spire House Glover Industrial Estate WashingtonNE37 3ES Employer's website