60 second with...our porter Keenan Sampson
1. Tell us a bit about your role and what you enjoy the most. When did you become a Porter?
My name is Keenan and I have been working as a Porter here at the Trust for almost eight years. My role mainly involves transferring patients from A to B, for example taking patients from the ward to scans or to other areas of the hospital and making sure they arrive safely and on time.
We also support with blood deliveries and respond to emergency calls when needed. Teamwork is a huge part of what we do, and we work closely together to provide the best possible service to both patients and staff.
What I enjoy most is being able to communicate with patients and make a difference to their day. It is a really rewarding part of the job.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different. It can be very busy and no two days are the same. You come in knowing you are there to make a difference and to support both patients and colleagues.
We work as a team to get jobs done efficiently, especially when things are busy. We also collaborate with other departments, like Radiology, to make sure patients get to their appointments on time.
At the end of the day, it is all about teamwork, good communication and delivering the best care possible.
3. You recently received a CARES Award from a member of the public for your kindness and compassion. How did that feel?
I felt really happy and quite surprised, to be honest. I did not expect it. It meant a lot to be recognised, especially by a patient.
For me, it was about helping them get through an important scan and making sure they felt supported along the way. That is what we aim to do every day.
The award reflects not just me but all porters across the Trust and the NHS. It shows how important our role is in keeping things running and providing good patient care. 4. Is there a moment that has really stayed with you during your time at the Trust?
There have been quite a few, but one that stands out is supporting a patient with dementia.
It was important to provide reassurance, support their relative and help them understand what was happening. Making sure the patient got to their scan without delays and felt comfortable was really important.
Moments like that stay with you because you know you have made a difference during a difficult time for someone.
5. If you could have any superpower to help you at work, what would it be?
I would probably choose flying. It would make getting around the hospital quicker and it would be fun as well.
It would definitely help me move between departments more efficiently, especially on busy days. And maybe on my break I could just go up into the sky and relax for a bit.