The Patient Transfer Service workload includes both planned and urgent transfers between or to medical, residential care, palliative care, and bariatric facilities. The aim is to provide and maintain a caring environment for patients and provide a transport service as appropriate for the needs of the patient. This is not an emergency focussed role.

Gathers information on the patient and destination; plots a route for the transfer; carries out informal and formal risk assessments to assess hazards, then implements safe systems of work to reduce risk; meets and greets patients and whanau and explains the transport plan to them; ensures that at all times patient safety remains paramount and that safe systems of work are adhered to regarding stretchers, carry chairs, wheelchairs, clamps, seat belts etc; assists patients to access the vehicle; operates vehicle to transport patients to the agreed destination in the agreed timeframe; works with the clinical escorts (if any) during the journey; assists patients to exit the vehicle; may be required to give a written or oral report detailing the transfer; reports defects and deficiencies of the vehicle and equipment; removes and replaces soiled linen and equipment; may refuel and clean the vehicle.

• Works inside in vehicles, in patient facilities, people’s homes, or at other pick-up and drop-off sites (e.g. rest homes). Homes and vehicles are generally adequately heated and ventilated.
• May be confronted with distressing situations.

• Sedentary to very heavy physical demand level.
• The job involves frequent walking and standing. Sitting is required on a frequent basis.
• Stretching and reaching across is frequently required. Bending, squatting, crouching or kneeling is occasionally necessary. Twisting of the body or neck and heavy to very heavy lifting, pulling or carrying are occasionally likely.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is unlikely. When in contact with people who have infectious conditions protective equipment will be utilised.
• Driving of vehicles is frequently required. Repetitive movements are not a significant feature of this job.
• Mental skills needed are planning and logistics, communication, health care and first aid knowledge.

To become a Patient Transport Officer candidates will be required to pass a full Police Check and NZTA Driver Check (must have a full Class 1 Driver Licence); (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).

• Shift work is a norm for this job.
• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.