Job summary To 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. All equipment/ specimens are transported in a safe and careful manner. The post holder will be expected to plan their journeys, considering 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 items and equipment in order to maintain sanitary conditions. About us 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. Date posted 21 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £23,511 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 297-QEF-6843587-A Job locations QEF Transport Unit 16C, Deansfield Mills, Asquith Avenue Morley LS27 9QS Job description Job responsibilities Driving vehicles adhering to 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 responsibilities Driving vehicles adhering to 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 Shortlisting criteria Essential Experience of driving commercial vehicles (2) Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy (2) Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. (2) Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of specimens. (2) Able to prioritise urgent schedules. (2) Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations (2) Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance (2) Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment (2) Desirable Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment (2) Manual Handling Skills (movement of patients & equipment (2) Person Specification Shortlisting criteria Essential Experience of driving commercial vehicles (2) Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy (2) Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. (2) Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of specimens. (2) Able to prioritise urgent schedules. (2) Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations (2) Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance (2) Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment (2) Desirable Experience or knowledge of Patient Transport Services & working in an NHS / Health Care Environment (2) Manual Handling Skills (movement of patients & equipment (2) 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 details Employer name QE Facilities Address QEF Transport Unit 16C, Deansfield Mills, Asquith Avenue Morley LS27 9QS Employer's website https://www.qefacilities.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)