24th February 2025

Meet the Team - Porters

Porters are essential in a hospital, providing support and reassurance to patients during stressful times. They help ensure that patients are transported safely between departments and assist in delivering a smooth, comfortable experience in the hospital. 

Derek Conlan, Head Porter at Mater Private Network in Dublin, embodies our dedication to patient care. With a background in music and dance, Derek’s journey to becoming a porter is both interesting and inspiring. His passion for dance and music began when he was a child, eventually leading to performing with Lord of the Dance for nearly 20 years and traveling the world to places like Las Vegas, New York, and Europe. When he returned home to Ireland, he decided to pursue a career as a porter, working in the Westbury Hotel for many years before joining Mater Private Network in 2023. Today, Derek oversees a team of 22 porters, ensuring a seamless service for patients across the hospital. 

Can you describe a typical day in your role as a porter?

The primary role of a porter is to assist with the transport of patients throughout the hospital, whether that is helping them walk, or moving them via wheelchair or bed. When I first arrive at work, I walk through the hospital to make sure everything is in order. I check for any health and safety hazards and ensure that the theatre is ready for the day’s operations. This helps alleviate some of the pressure on the clinical teams, knowing they can focus on patient care without worrying about the setup.

In addition to overseeing the transport of patients, my responsibilities as Head Porter include administrative tasks like preparing rosters, managing wages, and responding to emails. The porter team is spread across various areas of the hospital, so each member may encounter patients with different levels of care needs. We also ensure the availability and quality of equipment like beds, trolleys, and wheelchairs, making sure that patients are in the right place at the right time for their treatment. Many members of our team have been with us for years, and some have even postponed retirement because they truly enjoy the work.

What skills do you think are most important for a porter to have?

The most important skills for a porter are empathy, helpfulness, and loyalty. When patients arrive at the hospital, they are often going through a difficult and stressful time. It is essential to provide comfort and reassurance, helping them feel at ease. Being a reliable source of support throughout their hospital journey is key.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is the people; including both our patients and my team. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the porter team and a great sense of fulfilment in knowing that we are helping patients at a time when they need it most.

What’s the most challenging part about your job?

The most challenging part of the job is seeing patients in pain or discomfort. It can be hard to witness, but it is important to remember that we are there to offer comfort and support. Many patients have told me that just having a chat or being able to talk with someone during their transport helps distract them and makes their experience a little less intimidating. While it is not easy, knowing that we are making a positive impact in their experience is very rewarding.

What is one thing you have done at work that you are proud of?

I am most proud of the amazing team I have the pleasure of working with. They work hard every day and consistently provide great support to both patients and their colleagues. On a personal level, I am also proud of having completed the Leadership Development Programme, PACE+. This course was designed to help develop leadership skills, and it taught me many things about understanding the different perspectives of management. It has improved my relationship with both my manager and my team, and I have been able to implement what I learned to better manage the day-to-day operations and delegate tasks in a way that empowers my team. 

If you could tell people one thing about being a porter, what would you want them to know?

Being a porter is a crucial part of the hospital’s operations. Our role touches every department, from diagnostic imaging to patient care in the wards. Our main goal is to make sure patients feel safe, at ease, and supported throughout their journey. We are not just moving patients from one area to another—we are there to help ease their minds and make their hospital experience as comfortable as possible.

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