Patient Transport Service (PTS) Volunteer

Job overview

Patient Transport Service (PTS) Volunteer

Volunteer to help NHS patients in your region.

Do you live in Yorkshire or North Lincolnshire, have your own vehicle, and enjoy driving?

Would you like to play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of NHS patients, and become part of an incredible team?

Our non-emergency Patient Transport Service (PTS) helps thousands of people to reach their medical appointments every week, supported by our dedicated network of PTS Volunteers.

PTS Volunteers provide non-emergency transport for patients who are able to walk but may need assistance and are eligible for transport, to and from hospitals and other healthcare settings. This can include patients attending hospital outpatient clinics, being admitted to or discharged from hospital wards or needing life-saving treatments such as chemotherapy or renal dialysis.

As a PTS volunteer you will receive full training, a uniform, a first aid kit and a mileage allowance of 45p per mile, with an additional 5p per mile allowance when transporting a patient. There will be an understanding between yourself and the Trust that you will aim to offer at least 2-3 days of volunteering per calendar month, in order to keep the training and information we will provide you with relevant and up to date.

Main duties of the job

You don’t need to have any previous experience as full training will be given, just be caring, friendly and have a willingness to help.

Please be aware that you will be required to fit the below criteria:

• Be over 18 years of age.
• Have a good understanding of the role of the volunteer car service.
• Have good communication skills.
• Have an overall smart appearance and good standard of personal hygiene.
• Be physically able to carry out the scope of practice for a PTS Volunteer
• Demonstrate a desire to help others and contribute positively to the community.
• Be able to attend training sessions to maintain essential skills and knowledge.
• Have a full driving licence with no more than three penalty points.
• Have access to a well maintained five door vehicle.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Be able to supply details of referees covering employment, education and volunteering in the last 3 year period (including other relevant activities and references that may cover any gaps).

In addition to the above volunteers are also required to:

• Be able to attend an person interview, a Driving Assessment and a 2-day training course.
• Ensure security of and apply appropriate care and maintenance (including restocking as appropriate) to personal protective equipment, personal issue handling equipment, first aid bag and a smartphone.
• Maintain a high standard of vehicle serviceability, cleanliness and carrying out daily vehicle checks promptly.

Before taking the time to apply, please familiarise yourself with the recruitment process and ensure that you are willing to take part in all stages of the process.

Upon completion of your first shift, you will be able to claim back mileage expenses for attending the 2-day training session.

For a detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the Role Description under supporting documents.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We currently have approximately 200 volunteers giving up their time to provide this vital service.

There is no expectation on your time as a volunteer, however there is an understanding that you will aim to offer 2-3 days per calendar month to ensure the knowledge and training we provide is kept relevant and up to date.

Patient Transport Service (PTS) Volunteers greet patients at their door or clinic within a healthcare premise and assist them to the vehicle in a professional and caring way, offering appropriate support and reassurance and maintaining patients dignity. You may also transport patients’ escorts, assistance dogs and/or medical or mobility equipment, where necessary.

As part of this role, you will be trained to ensure the safety of yourself, your patients, colleagues and others, by assessing risks and adopting safe practices.

PTS Volunteers need a calm and confident approach, they need to be of smart and professional appearance, act in accordance with the Trust’s code of conduct and be helpful, polite and courteous in manner at all times.

PTS Volunteers need to maintain a high standard of vehicle serviceability, cleanliness and perform daily vehicle checks promptly. Volunteers are also expected to use their own vehicle as road traffic law dictates, in a courteous manner and with consideration for the safety and comfort of vehicle occupants.

You don’t need to have any previous experience; you just need to be caring, friendly and have a willingness to help people.

If you are interested in becoming a PTS Volunteer, then please click the Apply now below.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.