Assists with the provision of care to patients in hospitals by ensuring wards are neat and tidy, lifting and turning patients and transporting them in wheelchairs or on movable beds, and providing direct care and support.

Assists patients with their personal care needs such as showering, dressing and eating; assists patients with their mobility and communication needs; moves patients around the facility by pushing them in wheelchairs or in mobile beds; moves equipment around the facility; performs generally manual support tasks at the direction of medical staff.

• Employees generally work inside in public or private hospitals.
• Work spaces are generally adequately heated and ventilated; and are also clean and well-maintained.
• Shift work is normal.
• May be required to work in emergency situations.
• May be required to work with injured or seriously ill people who are delusional, abusive, intoxicated or aggressive on occasions. Dealing with the bodies of deceased patients is also sometimes required.

• Medium to very heavy physical demand levels.
• Employees walk about the hospital moving or delivering items or transporting patients from one area to another.
• Sitting is not a significant component of the job.
• Stretching and reaching can be frequently required.
• Squatting or crouching may be necessary on an occasional basis.
• Twisting of the body or neck is likely on an occasional basis particularly associated with movement of patients.
• Contact with skin irritants or water may be necessary on an occasional basis and there may be physical contact with people who have infectious conditions. Protective equipment, however, should be available.
• Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying is frequent for many of the patient transfer tasks. Pushing actions are required.
• Occasional bending is required when lifting baggage, equipment or people.
• Repetitive movements may be necessary on an occasional basis.
• Hand tools will be used to aid the transporting of people and setting up of equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include communication, practical and organisational skills.

For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be all that is necessary (ANZSCO Skill Level 4). Application to work in this role is likely to involve a police background check.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.