A Night in the Life of a Night Porter: Nicholas Swaby
While most of the world sleeps, a dedicated team keeps the wheels turning at Maudsley Hospital. Among them is Nicholas Swaby, a night porter who has been supporting the Trust for over two and a half years. His role is vital in maintaining safety, security, and continuity of care throughout the night.
Starting the Night
Nicholas’s shift begins with a handover and quickly moves into action. From transferring patients—including those who are sectioned—to responding to alarms and conducting welfare checks, his nights are anything but quiet. He also liaises with emergency services, manages overnight deliveries, and ensures secure access across the site.
Responsibilities That Matter
Covering the entire hospital site, Nicholas monitors CCTV, locks and unlocks gates, and checks areas like outpatients and new buildings. He also handles blood sample deliveries and supports clinical staff and managers on duty. “My role allows business to continue as usual,” he explains. “I support clinical staff to carry out their roles in a safe and secure setting.”
Working across all wards—including acute, PICU, and forensic—Nicholas describes the night shift atmosphere as calm but intense. “It’s quieter than the day, but more reactive. There are fewer staff, so we have to be ready for anything.”
Security is a major part of Nicholas’s role. He responds to calls from wards, alarm activations, and incidents involving patient safety—something he encounters at least twice a month. Thanks to training in de-escalation and regular team briefings, he’s well-prepared to handle unpredictable situations.
Though much of his work is behind the scenes, Nicholas does interact with patients. “I stay calm and professional, and escalate when needed,” he says. His approach is rooted in patience, listening, and showing respect—qualities that can make a real difference to someone in distress.
Nicholas works closely with both clinical and non-clinical staff, staying in touch via Ascom phones. Handovers are managed through a detailed logbook, ensuring continuity between shifts.
The biggest challenge? “Dealing with the unexpected,” Nicholas says. But he stays motivated thanks to a supportive team. “We work together and lift each other up.” His greatest satisfaction comes from knowing everything has run smoothly by the end of his shift.
Looking Ahead
If he could improve one thing, Nicholas would add a fourth team member to the night shift to enhance coverage and support. His advice to new night porters?
Exercise patience with everyone—and expect each day to be different.
