Porters share vital role on Twitter

Friday 17 January 2014


PortersTeam

Hospital porters gave a unique insight into their vital role as integral members of the NHS team as they took part in a live Twitter event.

Porters Andy Gibb and Scott King were tracked by the Trust's 3,500 Twitter followers as they took more than 7,500 steps transporting patients around St Thomas’ Hospital in just four hours.

Andy, who has worked as a porter at Guy’s and St Thomas’ for five years, says: “Porters are in the background of almost every situation in a hospital, we’re often the first and last people patients meet. It’s been great to raise awareness of our role and show people exactly what we do.”

The team rapidly responded to patient transfer requests, which included moving a newborn baby and his mother to the postnatal ward, taking patients to appointments, and sadly taking a patient who had passed away on his final journey through the hospital.

The events were shared using the hashtag #FollowAPorter, with many Twitter users praising hospital porters. One person said: “Porters are such a vital part of the NHS! Simply couldn't run without them! #UnsungHeroes.”

John Stonier, portering team leader, says: “We’re very proud of our team and our profession. Andy and Scott represented us very well and showed people how porters help patients and support the rest of the hospital team.”

Highlights of all the #FollowAPorter action can be seen here, and you can follow Guy’s and St Thomas’ on Twitter @GSTTnhs.

For more information about being a hospital porter you can visit: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/wider-healthcare-team/careers-in-the-wider-healthcare-team/support-services/porter/

Last updated: March 2022

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