Job summary

To provide an effective and efficient transport service which delivers and collects items such aslaboratory specimens, post, medical records, lab stores, Pharmaceutical Products, sterile supplies, in addition to drivingstaff transportation vehicles.The post holder will need to have the ability to effectively communicate with health service colleagues.

Main duties of the job

To undertake driving duties to the required standard subject to appropriate training, driving vehicles carefully withevery consideration being given to the passenger, any equipment, the vehicle itself, other road users and to complywith Road Traffic Legislation.

The post holder will be expected to plan their journeys, considering the routes they should take, to ensure anefficient and effective service.

The post holder may be required to accommodate longer distance driving as part of contracts, with overnight staysin Hotels/Bed and breakfast ect, to be in line with driving regulations.

The post holder is required to undertake daily vehicle checks to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy; these checksshall include for example: oil, water, fuel, tyre pressure and tread condition, lights, warning devices etc.

Report defects and deficiencies of the vehicle and equipment and replace all items of vehicle inventory used in accordance with Policies and Procedures.

Responsible for vehicle upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance.

Ensure all safety checks are carried out.

To operate any communication system supplied / fitted/ operated by the Company in accordance with its Policiesand Procedures.

To participate in the QEF driver rota covering of shifts and duties as required / directed.

The post holder will be responsible for recording information accurately using either computerised systems or hardcopy as required

About us

QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.

QE Facilities (QEF) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (GHNT), based in the North East of England.

We provide a range of non- clinical services to GHNT and other NHS organisations. Our services include: estates, facilities services, procurement, medical engineering and devices, endoscopy decontamination and sterile services, transport, out-patient pharmacy, and prevention & management of violence & aggression training (PMVA).

In addition we provide consultancy services, advising clients on all aspects of establishing a subsidiary company within an NHS body to the provision of VAT compliance advice.

QE Facilities work to their own Terms and Conditions and these are not the same as Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Terms and Conditions. This is not an Agenda for Change Pay Rate.

We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement.

Details

Date posted

15 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£25,272 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

297-QEF-8250359

Job locations

QEF Spire House

Glover Industrial Estate

Washington

NE37 3ES

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Driving vehicles adhering to schedules and driving regulations.Moderate to intense physical effort while lifting and carrying items (up to 25kgs) in line with Trust and Directoratepolicies and procedures. Deliveries up and down stairs in some locations.Daily exposure to bodily fluids, blood, fresh tissue, infective agents, and hazardous chemicals associated with pathologyspecimen collection and transportation.Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g., inclement weather, exposure to fumes, dust, and dirt.Regularly washing and cleaning of vans exterior and interior.Varying degrees of mental effort are required throughout the day e.g., there will be a requirement to take instructions,Customer Care Managers. & Pathology staff some of which will need to be written down and these instructions mayalter the transport run previously given to driver.Driving in all types of weather/light conditions requiring mental awareness.Ability to plan routes, responding to changes as required e.g., traffic problems.

Job description Job responsibilities Driving vehicles adhering to schedules and driving regulations.Moderate to intense physical effort while lifting and carrying items (up to 25kgs) in line with Trust and Directoratepolicies and procedures. Deliveries up and down stairs in some locations.Daily exposure to bodily fluids, blood, fresh tissue, infective agents, and hazardous chemicals associated with pathologyspecimen collection and transportation.Frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g., inclement weather, exposure to fumes, dust, and dirt.Regularly washing and cleaning of vans exterior and interior.Varying degrees of mental effort are required throughout the day e.g., there will be a requirement to take instructions,Customer Care Managers. & Pathology staff some of which will need to be written down and these instructions mayalter the transport run previously given to driver.Driving in all types of weather/light conditions requiring mental awareness.Ability to plan routes, responding to changes as required e.g., traffic problems.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of driving commercial vehicles

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy
• Route planning skills and knowledge of local area.
• Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of patients and/or specimens.
• Able to prioritise urgent schedules.
• Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations
• Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance

Desirable

• Manual Handling Skills

Driving Licence

Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Basic literacy & Numeracy qualifications

Desirable

• First Aid
• Basic Vehicle Maintenance

Person Specification Experience Essential Experience of driving commercial vehicles Knowledge Essential Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to express empathy Route planning skills and knowledge of local area. Ability to respond to traffic problems, re-routing as required avoiding delays in transportation of patients and/or specimens. Able to prioritise urgent schedules. Knowledge of health & safety regulations and expectations Knowledge/awareness of basic car maintenance Desirable Manual Handling Skills Driving Licence Essential Full UK Driving Licence Basic literacy & Numeracy qualifications Desirable First Aid Basic Vehicle Maintenance

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

QE Facilities

Address

QEF Spire House

Glover Industrial Estate

Washington

NE37 3ES

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.qefacilities.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

QE Facilities

Address

QEF Spire House

Glover Industrial Estate

Washington

NE37 3ES

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.qefacilities.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)