At a Glance
- Tasks: Support patient care by managing appointments and providing secretarial assistance to clinicians.
- Company: Join Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to exceptional patient service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Work in a diverse team with great career development opportunities in beautiful Somerset.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable experience across specialties.
- Qualifications: Good education, Microsoft Office skills, and knowledge of medical terminology required.
The predicted salary is between 25970 - 28400 £ per year.
Are you organised, compassionate, and ready to play a vital role in supporting exemplary patient care? We are looking for a dedicated Medical Secretary to join our specialty teams, including FLS, and help us deliver an outstanding service every single day. As a key member of our administrative team, you will provide a comprehensive and proactive medical secretarial service, working closely with our Band 3 and Band 4 colleagues to ensure the smooth running of clinical activity. You will take ownership of your workload, manage sensitive information with professionalism, and act as a reliable point of contact for patients, clinicians, and wider healthcare teams.
No two days will be the same -- you will have the opportunity to work flexibly across a variety of specialties, gaining valuable experience and contributing to exceptional patient pathways wherever you are needed most. We are looking for someone who lives and breathes our Trust values and leads by example. If you are motivated, adaptable, and passionate about delivering an excellent patient experience, we would love to have you on our team. Your skills truly make a difference.
Main duties of the job
- This role involves providing professional and courteous communication with patients, colleagues, and external contacts via telephone, written correspondence, and face-to-face interactions.
- You will manage daily correspondence, respond to queries, take messages for the specialty team, and ensure timely follow-up.
- A key responsibility is liaising with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate and maintain accessible patient information.
- You will also manage clinic bookings, communicate directly with patients regarding appointments and follow-ups, and ensure accurate scheduling using the clinic template.
- You will provide secretarial support to clinicians.
- Administrative duties include prioritising your workload, attending team and Trust meetings, and supporting the wider admin team to meet targets.
- You will handle patient-related documents, escalate urgent items to clinicians, and maintain accurate filing.
- Additional tasks include preparing agendas, taking and circulating meeting minutes, and ensuring the timely flow of patient information.
- Maintaining confidentiality and assisting with patient check-in and check-out are essential to delivering a high-quality service.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you will gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset?
Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it is a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job responsibilities
As the Receptionist/Administrator, you will act as a vital point of contact for patients and professionals, ensuring that the administrative functions of the service run smoothly and efficiently. You will:
- Book appointments for the service
- Provide secretarial support to clinicians
- Organise and prioritise your own workload to meet service targets.
- Ensure the timely arrival, retrieval, and filing of patient information to support uninterrupted care delivery.
- Liaise with internal and external partners including Fracture Liaison Service and other departments across the Trust.
- Maintain confidentiality and uphold GDPR standards in handling all patient records and communication.
- Input, update, and retrieve data from local databases and appointment systems to support governance and audit processes.
Please see the attached job description for further details of this role. We always welcome informal visits or discussions before formal applications if you would like to find out more about what this role can offer you. Please get in touch with Lucy Ware, 07393762784.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Good standard of general education
Experience
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite
- Medical audio typing
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Working knowledge of in-house hospital systems
- Knowledge of patient notes / retrieval and related tasks/medical records procedure
Additional Criteria
- Must be able to communicate in English Language, excellent communication skills both written and verbally, appropriate to the post
- Car driver with a valid driving licence or have access to transport with appropriate business insurance in order to travel to other sites to meet needs of the service
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Medical Secretary in Taunton employer: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the well-being and professional growth of our staff. With flexible working options, a generous annual leave allowance, and a strong focus on career development, we create an inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive. Located in the picturesque Somerset region, you will enjoy a perfect balance of serene countryside and vibrant city life, making it an ideal place to build your career while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.
Contact Details:
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Secretary in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare field, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with our mission to deliver outstanding patient care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Medical Secretary, you'll be the face of our service. Role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you come across as professional and approachable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Secretary in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:As a Medical Secretary, being organised is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you keep everything running smoothly.
Communicate Clearly:Since you'll be the go-to person for patients and clinicians, clear communication is essential. In your written application, showcase your excellent written skills by keeping your language professional yet friendly. Remember, clarity is crucial!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Medical Secretary role. Mention your experience with medical terminology and any relevant software you've used, as this will show us you're the right fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We want to make the application process as smooth as possible for you. So, head over to our website to apply! It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the details you need to submit your application successfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Medical Secretary. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as managing patient information and liaising with multidisciplinary teams. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Medical Secretary, you'll need to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. Prepare examples of how you've successfully handled communication in previous roles, whether it's through phone calls, emails, or face-to-face interactions. Highlight your ability to maintain professionalism and compassion, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Being organised is crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks or prioritised your workload effectively. You could mention how you’ve handled scheduling conflicts or ensured timely follow-ups on patient queries. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The job requires someone who can adapt to various specialties and changing circumstances. Be ready to discuss times when you've had to adjust quickly to new situations or learn new systems. This will illustrate your flexibility and willingness to contribute to exceptional patient pathways, aligning with the Trust's values.
