Medical Secretary - Cellular Pathology

This role is key in providing clerical support to our Consultant Histopathologists and Senior Laboratory staff. It would be perfect for a secretary looking to develop their career as, for the right person, we are able to offer progression to a Band 4 Senior Medical Secretary.

The department reports histology and cytology cases and supports various multi-disciplinary team meetings; providing a cellular pathology service to hospital clinicians and GPs. The secretariat are an integral part of the wider Cellular Pathology team which provides a vital service in terms of disease diagnosis and treatment. We are looking for somebody who is passionate about working for the NHS and who is keen to make a difference.

This role can be challenging, but at the same time it is interesting and rewarding. We are a close-knit team who are extremely supportive of each other, understand the pressures that each of us face and work together to provide the best possible service.

You will need to possess accurate audio-typing skills and preferably have a knowledge of medical terminology. You should have great IT skills and have the ability to learn the different systems used within Pathology. Although this is a full-time role, for the right candidate part-time hours may be considered. Elements of the role could be done from home, therefore a hybrid working pattern would be considered.

Main duties of the job

• Working as part of a team of medical secretaries and administrative staff, the responsibilities of our Medical Secretary role are varied and would include:
• Audio-typing of pathological reports using the Winscribe digital dictation system and the pathology computer system (Ultra).
• Support senior secretaries in the preparation of case lists for multi-disciplinary team meetings each month.
• Specific responsibility for the cervical screening administration tasks within cellular pathology which include the creation of monthly colposcopy MDT meeting lists.
• Other administrative duties that contribute to the delivery of a full histopathology service including answering telephone and email queries.

To arrange a tour of the department or to request further information, please contact Nichole Lycett, Cytology Manager, on extension 4723 or email nicholelycett@nhs.net.

Working for our organisation

At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone's contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.

We are proud to be in the top 20 best hospitals to work for in the country. We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential. We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing.

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working in the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.

Person specification

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: Word processing / audio typing qualifications or RSA level II or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of the English language to be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Knowledge

• Essential criteria: Knowledge of good office & administrative practice.
• Able to learn medical terminology (following a period of learning on the job if necessary) and use this effectively as part of the role.

Experience

• Essential criteria: Previous and recent secretarial experience.
• Desirable criteria: Previous secretarial experience, working in a health care environment.

Skills

• Essential criteria: Computer literate: able to use Microsoft Word and Email and other Office applications to maximise the efficiency of the office.
• Good audio-typing skills with the ability to type correspondence with medical terminology accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with staff and patients.
• Ability to multi-task whilst maintaining high levels of accuracy.

Emotional Effort

• Essential criteria: Ability to sensitively deal with queries from anxious or distressed patients and their relatives.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.