Job Description

New job

Significantly amended job

Minor amendments from previous

Job title Ambulance Car Driver (PTS)

Reports to PTS Team Leader
Pay band 2
Directorate Delivery
Banding status Indicative A4C confirmed
(please tick one)
X
Hours per week 37.5

Job summary
(overview of role/remit)

 The care and transportation of non-emergency, independent patients to and

from hospitals for appointments and treatment, within and outside of the
GWAS area.
 To carry out vehicle and equipment checks as designated or as appropriate.
 To assist in the event of a critical or large scale incident (Major Incident)

Main duties and responsibilities

(bullet points providing detail of responsibilities)

Knowledge and Skills

 Establishing rapport and empathy with patients and relatives

 Giving reassurance to confused and distressed patients and their carers/relatives
 Communicate in such a way that promotes respect and dignity, giving
consideration to a person’s individuality, rights and autonomy and giving
consideration to an individuals religious and cultural beliefs
 Communicating with patients and their relatives who may be from different ethnic
backgrounds, may have a disability and/or a medical condition(s) that makes the
communication process more challenging
 Providing and receiving routine information using tact or persuasive skills
 Acting in a professional manner at all times appropriate to a caring service and
maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and dress code

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  Communicating clearly with others, e.g. NHS staff at hand-over at hospital
 Communicating clearly with clinicians, colleagues, Control staff and others
 Responsible for ensuring patient confidentiality at all times
 Knowledge and application of the Highway Code
 Knowledge and use of radio and communication procedure
 Patient assessment with regard to their suitability to be transported
 Patient assessment with regard to appropriate care
 Proficient in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation to Basic Life Support level
 Safer manual handling techniques
 Ability to assess risk
 Ability to assess risk in relation to patients with a higher level of independence
and mobility
 Ability to plan a route to a destination giving due regard to its suitability in relation
to the patients condition or the size of the vehicle and within any time constraints
that may exist
 Ability to meet the higher medical standards of fitness to drive for
professional/vocational drivers as set out in the ‘Medical aspects of fitness to
drive’, published by the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention
 Ability to meet general levels of fitness to perform basic manual handling such as
lifting luggage
 Drive cars and other specialist vehicles as directed in accordance with the IHCD
Ambulance Driving Manual

Responsibilities

 Care and transportation of non-emergency and non-stretcher patients as

admissions, transfers and discharges
 May be required to transport patients with a range of psychological or
behavioural conditions
 May be required to attend a Major Incident
 Must not undertake any task or action which would knowingly cause risk to
themselves, others, or to the Trust
 Responsible for recording accurate information and data
 Comments on Trust policies and procedures
 Operate in accordance with Trust policy and procedure and guidelines
 Responsible for ambulance vehicles and equipment as the driver of the vehicle
 Responsible for daily vehicle and equipment checks and the reporting of any
losses and defects
 Responsible for the cleanliness of vehicles and equipment on commencement
and throughout the period of duty
 Take responsibility for equipment re-stocking and vehicle re-fuelling
 Responsible for the safe use of equipment
 Responsible for the safety of passengers using seat/wheelchair restraints

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 where necessary
 Responsible for patients personal possessions whilst in the care of the Trust
 May undertake some supervision of new staff periodically in the form of
familiarization to working procedures
 Responsible for reporting adverse incidents and completing reports
 Complete all reasonable administrative tasks associated with re-fuelling, hours
worked and people conveyed in accordance with Trust policy and procedures
 Responsible for the completion and submission of own timesheets
 Take all reasonable steps to ensure station, vehicle and equipment security
 May occasionally participate in the testing or evaluating of equipment
 May occasionally participate in surveys or audits
 Undertakes the work within the Trust’s protocols, policies and procedures
although there is an element of working on own initiative with reference to
supervision or assistance as necessary and where this might involve referring
to ambulance control or line management where necessary or appropriate
 Attain the standards of competence required by participating in training
programmes specified by the Trust
 Attend supervision and appraisal meetings with managers as required
 Identify personal developmental opportunities within the work context and take
part in personal and professional development in accordance with the Knowledge
and Skills framework (Agenda for Change)
 Undergo refresher training on any aspect of training as required

Effort and Environment

 Responsible for undertaking manual handling operations relating to patients with

various mobility issues, including wheelchairs

 Responsible for application of health and safety legislation, safety policies and
procedures in force, e.g. those relating to appropriate risk assessment and safer
lifting and handling techniques

 The work pattern is mostly planned and predictable and there is a frequent
requirement for concentration when driving, transporting patient.

 The nature of the work may occasionally be emotionally demanding in certain

situations such as transporting patients with behavioural problems and
transferring sick children

 The post-holder operates in an environment that is uncontrolled by the Trust and

therefore may be occasionally exposed to adverse weather and environmental
conditions, body fluids, and occasionally aggressive behaviour in patients,
relatives and others.

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  Will be expected to assist in the event of a Major Incident as directed or as
appropriate

Communications and Key Relationships

 Communicate with a range of GWAS Trust members such as managers and
others as required, on subjects such as risk, policy and clinical governance, as
well as clinical matters.
 Communicate with relevant health professionals and agencies effectively over
clinical issues and patient information.

 Communicate in such a way that promotes respect and dignity, giving

consideration to a person’s individuality, rights and autonomy and giving
consideration to individual religious and cultural beliefs.

 Communicate with patients and their relatives who may have a disability and/or
medical conditions that make the communication process more challenging.

 Provide appropriate guidance and advice to patients and other members of

the public in a tactful and sensitive manner, using a range of interpersonal
skills and according to individual needs.
 Support Trust policy on equality, diversity and the rights of all individuals.
 Maintain and maximize patient confidentiality, dignity and privacy in
accordance with the responsibilities of the Trusts Caldicott Guardian.

Standard Role Requirements

Health and Safety
To take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others who may be
affected by the postholder’s actions at work.

No smoking policy
The buildings, grounds and car parks owned or managed by the Trust are smoke-free
zones and smoking is not permitted whilst on NHS/Trust premises; attending external
meetings on behalf of the Trust; wearing NHS/Trust-identifiable clothing or other
markings, or whilst in NHS/Trust vehicles.

Risk
To develop and implement robust systems for risk management across the areas of

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 responsibility of the post. To be responsible and accountable for risk in these areas.
To be personally responsible for not undertaking any task or action which would
knowingly cause risk to self, others, or to the Trust.
As far as is reasonably practicable, to prevent other people from undertaking tasks or
actions which would knowingly cause risks to themselves, others, or to the Trust.
To identify and report actual or potential hazards/risks in the work environment in
accordance with Trust policies.
To participate in briefing/training sessions and carry out any agreed control measures
and duties as instructed.
Take immediate action to minimise risks where it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Records management, confidentiality and security of information

To adhere to Trust policies and procedures as directed in training and guidelines and as
advised by relevant colleagues (including designated Local Records Manager) in
relation to creating records and handling information. Undertake action as required to
implement and comply with these policies and procedures. To report any non-
compliance.
To maintain confidentiality in relation to personal data held for colleagues and patients,
ensuring it is processed lawfully; for no purpose other than for which it was obtained; is
relevant to that purpose; is retained for no longer than is necessary; is processed in
accordance with the rights of the subject to access and accuracy; and is protected from
accidental loss or damage in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection
Act 1998, and records management guidance.
To maintain confidentiality of patient-identifiable personal data using a non-identifiable
alternative, where practicable, and limiting access on a strictly need to know basis in
accordance with the responsibilities of the Trust’s Caldicott Guardian.

Infection control
Responsible for ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of infection
prevention and control in all areas within his/her area of responsibility to ensure
continued compliance of the Trust with the Health Act 2006, Health and Social Care Act
2008 and any future Acts of Parliament regarding infection prevention and control.
Adhere to the Infection Prevention and Control policy at all times, providing clear
leadership and promotion of responsible attitudes towards infection prevention and
control
Responsible for infection prevention and control within his/her area of responsibility,
ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of infection prevention and control
under his/her control. Ensure infection prevention and control audits are undertaken in
their area of responsibility, as requested by the Director with responsibility for infection
prevention and control.

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 To ensure that relevant staff, contractors and other persons, whose normal duties are
directly or indirectly concerned with patient care, receive suitable and sufficient training,
information and supervision on the measures required to prevent and control risks of
infection, so far as reasonably practicable.
Alcohol handrub must be carried at all times whilst in uniform; good hand hygiene must
be maintained.
Responsible for including infection prevention and control within the managerial job
descriptions and appraisals of all managers under his/her control.

Patient and public involvement

To be aware of responsibilities under sections 7 and 11 of the Health and Social Care
Act 2001 to involve patients and the public in the ongoing planning, development and
delivery of health services, and to involve patients in their own care, as far as is
reasonably practicable.

Person Specification
Essential Desirable

Education and Good general level of education Three GSCE’s, or NVQ

qualifications level 2/3 or equivalent
 Standard UK driving
licence with no more than
3 penalty points

 Basic I.T skills (able to

receive and send e-mails,
basic word processing)

Able to successfully complete

and pass induction training on
the following:

 General patient care

 GWAS basic manual
handling techniques
 GWAS driver training
 Statutory, mandatory and

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 essential training such as
conflict resolution and
equality and diversity
 Standard UK driving licence
with no more than 3 penalty
points

 Basic I.T skills (able to

receive and send e-mails,
basic word processing)


Previous experience  Experience of work

(Paid/ Unpaid  Experience of working within a caring
relevant to job) with the general public environment/profess
ion.
 Able to work as part of a
team  Previous NHS
experience
 Able to demonstrate,
understand and  Driving experience
appreciate the concept of and/or evidence of
patient care. training or
achievement above
 Knowledge and the level of the
application of the standard UK licence
Highway Code.

Skills, knowledge,
ability  Well motivated and
capable of working on
own initiative.

 An excellent team player

who enjoys supporting
colleagues and is
committed to the
objectives of the
organization.

 Flexible and adaptable in

dealing with unplanned
events and untoward
incidents.

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  Good communication
skills and the ability to
get on with all types of
people.

 The ability to
occasionally work and
remain calm under
pressure.

 The ability to work to

instruction and within
protocols, policy and
procedures.

 Able to meet the higher

medical standards of
fitness to drive for
professional/vocational
drivers as set out in the
‘Medical aspects of
fitness to drive’, published
by the Medical
Commission on Accident
Prevention.

Aptitude and  Understanding of duty of

personal care to patients, colleagues
characteristics and carers.

 Demonstrate a commitment
and recognition to the core
values and beliefs of an
employee of the NHS

 Able to deliver on the NHS

constitutional patient pledges
and rights

 Committed to high quality

patient care and patient
experience

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  Respectful to and able to
promote equality in
opportunity, employment and
service delivery

 Committed to continuous
professional development
and personal growth

 Able to ensure care of own

health and wellbeing to
promote improvements to
physical and emotional
wellbeing

 Able to work within the trust’s

attendance targets

 Ability to perform the

requirements of the post to
an acceptable standard

 Demonstrates a positive and

flexible approach in line with
the changing nature of the
trust service delivery model

 Committed to the values

based principles of high
quality patient care to
include; compassion; care;
competence;
communication; courage and
commitment in all aspects of
service delivery

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