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Ward Assistant

Also known as Patient Service Assistant, Hospital Orderly, Hospital Porter and Orderly.

Ward assistants help allied health professionals and staff in hospitals and other healthcare establishments with non-medical duties including housekeeping, food service and transportation, and ward, patient and office support.

Ward assistants work rostered shifts which include night and weekend work. They are on their feet for most of the day.

In large hospitals, ward assistants may work in a particular department such as outpatients or maternity.

In smaller institutions, they may assist in several or all departments.

TASKS

Ward assistants may perform the following tasks:

make sure that an adequate supply of clean clothing and linen is available for patients and that soiled items are removed and cleaned
assist in maintaining stocks of linen and non-medical supplies
assist with lifting and turning patients and transporting them in wheelchairs or on movable beds
clean rooms such as bathrooms, showers, utility rooms and offices, and clean interior windows
mop and buff floors, vacuum carpets, remove rubbish and linen, and dust all areas
clean equipment in the pan room such as pan trolleys, buckets, pans, bowls, suction bottles and tubing, commodes, wheelchairs, seats and rinse trays
clean patients' lockers and tables
distribute and collect food trays, check food orders and replenish refrigerator supplies
accompany patients who are ready to be discharged to the central waiting area
transport equipment, X-rays and patient records between wards, departments and theatres
transport deceased patients from wards to the morgue
assist in emergencies and patient restraint

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to lift heavy objects
caring and supportive attitude
respect for the rights of others
able to perform domestic duties efficiently
good communication skills
able to work as part of a team
able to follow instructions

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Porter - Hospital - collects and transports medical equipment and supplies such as clean linen and surgical tools. Porters perform various cleaning duties and do physical work such as shifting furniture, gas cylinders and other heavy objects.

Theatre Attendant/Orderly - sterilises instruments, and checks that operating theatre lights and machinery are working correctly. They transport patients to and from operating theatres and may assist with minor tasks during operations.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a ward assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in health support services or health services assistance. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a ward assistant through a traineeship in Health Support Services or Health Services Assistance.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, or have recognised, additional skills under the Health Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.