Patient Transport Service Controller
What is the work like?
Patient Transport Service (PTS) controllers organise transport to take patients to and from outpatient clinics, hospital admissions and other non-urgent appointments. They are part of the non-emergency ambulance service control team, and in some ambulance services they may have slightly different job titles.
As a PTS controller, your duties would include:
- dealing with requests for transport
- taking patients’ details and making sure these are recorded accurately
- making decisions on the best use of vehicles and drivers
- booking transport slots for the same day, the following day or up to eight weeks ahead.
When deciding on the most appropriate form of transport, you would find out the specific needs of the patient and the level of support required on their journey. You would take into account the patients ability to walk, whether or not they use a wheelchair and if they will need a stretcher.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Each ambulance service can set its own entry requirements, however, in general you will need:
- to be aged 18 or over
- keyboard and computer skills
- a good standard of education (possibly including GCSEs in English, maths and science).
You would be at an advantage if you also had map reading skills, knowledge of local geography, a typing qualification and/or some understanding of medical terminology. The ability to speak a second language may also be helpful.
What further training and development can I do?
You will receive in-house training from your employer, which may be classroom-based or on the job. Training can vary between ambulance services, but usually includes:
- operating a switchboard
- using radio communications and other equipment
- keeping accurate records.
Where can I go for more information?
Ambulance HeadquartersSute 30 Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8SG
Tel: 028 9040 0999
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
St Andrews House
Devons Road
Bow
London
E3 3PA
Tel: 020 7887 6638
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- PTS controllers can earn between £13,000 to £16,000 a year.
- Team leaders can earn up to around £21,000.
- Service managers can earn up to £32,500.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 37.5 hours a week, including weekends, bank holidays and shifts covering times when the non-emergency ambulance service is available (usually between 5am and midnight). Part-time hours may also be available.
Your would work at a switchboard in an office.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to record and process information accurately
- a pleasant telephone manner
- good listening skills and the ability to speak clearly
- good IT skills
- strong organisational skills
- a professional attitude towards work
- the ability to work alone and in a team
- good eyesight and hearing.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs within the NHS, although you could also train and work in the armed forces.
With experience, you could progress to emergency medical dispatcher or become a supervisor within the control room, leading a team of controllers or running a fleet of vehicles. Another option would be to move into a training job.
Your experience as a PTS controller would give you insight into the work of ambulance crew. However, to move on to ambulance work, you would still need to meet the ambulance service entry requirements. Check the job profiles for details.
Jobs can be advertised in the local and national press, and Jobcentre Plus. You may also find the following useful for vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
NHS Jobs
NHS Choices (for a list of local ambulance trust).
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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