How far do you reckon a hospital porter walks every day?

Well the average is ten to 15 miles, so if you shudder at the thought of being cooped up behind a desk and want a job that  you fit and healthy then this is the way to go.

This is something Noel Risdon, a hospital porter at Basildon Hospital knows all about.

He was named as the winner of the hospital’s staff awards for December after being nominated by his boss for his dedication not only to carrying out his duties but to going the extra mile to put patients at ease.

Noel was nominated by his manager, Michael Noakes for being a “glowing example of the type of staff member this hospital trust needs”. Noel was described as being conscientious, presentable, polite, respectful and approachable. He is the “buddy” for new starters in the portering team and loves his job so much he declared he would continue to be a porter if he won the lottery.

Clare Panniker, chief executive, presented his award and said: “I’m impressed that you would stay employed with us as a porter, even as a multi-millionaire, you must really love your job!”

The hospital’s Burstead Ward was also singled out for the team of the month award after being put forward by consultant urologist, Mr Ramachandran Ravi, who commended the entire ward staff for their dedication.

He praised the “switched on” nurses, engagement with doctors during ward rounds, motivated ward managers and fully briefed night nurses, especially Olin Serinilla.”

Miss Panniker added: “High words of praise from Mr Ravi. Burstead Ward has demonstrated really good levels of performance on the whole you deliver consistently, topping the league for positive feedback from the friends and family test.”

* Want to join the team? There are currently 24 jobs at the hospital being advertised on the NHS jobs website.