Facility Profile

TGH is the area’s only level I trauma center and one of just two ABA-verified adult & pediatric burn centers in Florida. With five medical helicopters*, we transport critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. The hospital is home to one of the busiest solid organ transplant centers in the country. TGH is a nationally designated comprehensive stroke center, and has a 32-bed Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. Other outstanding centers include cardiovascular, orthopedics, high-risk and normal obstetrics, urology, ENT, endocrinology, and the Children’s Medical Center, which features a nine-bed pediatric intensive care unit and pediatric kidney transplant services. As the region’s leading safety net hospital, Tampa General is committed to providing area residents with world-class and compassionate health care ranging from the simplest to the most complex medical services.

Tampa General Hospital was named the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report, 2020-2021, and recognized as one of America's Best Hospital's in five medical specialties: Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Nephrology, and Orthopedics. Tampa General Hospital has been designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest recognition for nursing excellence, for the fourth consecutive time – an accomplishment that fewer than one percent of hospitals nationwide have earned. TGH is accredited by The Joint Commission and was awarded disease-specific certification in five medical specialties. TGH is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). *Air transport provided by Metro Aviation, Inc.

Department Profile

The Patient Transport Department strives to practice safe patient treatment and working with a sense of urgency to ensure that all patients at TGH arrive at their destination in a safe and timely manner. The Patient Transport department moves patients from testing areas, surgical suits, and various units in the hospital. In a single day, one transporter can transport over 25 patients and walk over 10,000 steps.

General Summary

The role of the Patient Transport Dispatcher is to manage inquiries and requests as it pertains to the transport of patients, visitors, and transport equipment within the hospital. The Dispatcher will monitor and assign these requests to available team members on duty using the Transport Command Center. The Transport Dispatcher will manage transport requests in an efficient, logical, and timely manner through the utilization of available applications and resources. The Dispatcher is also required to answer incoming calls to the transport department and is expected to resolve any inquiries or relay them to the appropriate personnel. While on the phone The Dispatcher will be expected to strive for satisfaction of those calling by delivering positive customer service. The Dispatcher is also required to coordinate all breaks and lunches of Team Members. They will need to have adequate efficacy in balancing the patient flow with varying times of breaks and lunches as determined by the team member's shift.

In addition to dispatching responsibilities, this role will require one to be in a leadership capacity to transporters on duty. This is especially true when the Supervisor and/or Manager is absent or busy. The Dispatcher will operate as a team leader, holding huddles and conducting audits. When functioning as a team leader, the Dispatcher will serve as a resource for team members by answering questions and assisting with complex problems or grievances. The Dispatcher is also responsible for the upkeep of transport mobile devices by ensuring functionality and the issuing of the devices to all shifts.

Duties

• Direct and monitor patient transport activities to mitigate any errors or discrepancies.
• Maximize transport efficiency through the use of logical decision making when assigning requests.
• Use high-quality and respectful phone etiquette with patience and exceptional listening skills.
• Have a deep understanding and knowledge of transport practices and protocols, as well as transport mobile and Voalte.
• Resolve grievances related to patient transport raised by transporters, staff, patients, and visitors.
• Ensure departmental practices are being upheld by transporters on duty.
• Represent the transport department by acting as a liaison between the transport department and other departments.
• Undertake a leadership role amongst transporter peers through guidance and display of integrity.
• Exhibit reliability and trustworthiness, strive to encapsulate the core values of TGH through all interaction.

Working Conditions

Variable humidity, air conditioning, and dust. Exposure to chemicals, and isolations patient exposure, but there is minimal chance of injury/illness when established safety procedures are followed. Regular lifting, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to walk and stand for most of the working hours in a day.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Supervisor, Manager, Director, Patient Transportation

Supervises: Transporters assigned to shift