At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Gastroenterology team as a Support Secretary, handling typing and admin tasks.
- Company: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provides top-notch healthcare services across multiple sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a proactive team that values innovation and offers a chance to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: GCSE English & Maths and a recognized typing qualification are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, permanent position with opportunities for cross-site cover.
The predicted salary is between 24071 - 25674 £ per year.
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Specialty Medicine Directorate for a Support Secretary to work as part of the Gastroenterology team. We are a strong, proactive team who welcome innovation and adaptability within the service.
This is a full-time position, and candidates would be required to work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Applicants may be required to provide cross site cover. We also offer some flexibility with home working for a limited number of days per week.
The successful candidate will work alongside the existing secretarial team to provide comprehensive and efficient typing and administration support. As well as being part of the busy department, you’ll be required to prioritise your own workload on a day-to-day basis. Excellent IT and communication skills are essential for this role.
You will demonstrate excellent organisational skills, must be flexible in approach, able to exercise initiative and demonstrate a consistently high standard of professionalism, being aware of the need for confidentiality and integrity. We would require a strong communicator and dedicated team player.
We can offer you a friendly and supportive work environment where your work is valued. If this sounds like the role for you then apply now or email us to find out more. Informal enquiries are welcomed by contacting Harriet O’Toole – harriet.o’
Main duties of the job
The role will include typing of outpatient appointment letters and other correspondence to GPs and other clinical professionals, dealing with enquiries from clinicians, GPs, other hospitals, patients and their relatives, updating medical records and inputting data to support the attainment of Divisional targets.
In addition, the post holder will be required to support the Directorate Management Team with the tracking and validation of patient pathways to achieve the National 18-week Referral to Treatment (RTT) target.
About Us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester.
Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision – working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Our Objectives Are Simple:
- Best services for local people
- Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
- Best use of resources
- Best people
Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation – this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
Date posted : 25 February 2025
Pay scheme : Agenda for change
Band : Band 3
Salary : £24,071 to £25,674 a year
Contract : Permanent
Working pattern : Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number : C9365-25-0176
Job locations : The Alexandra Hospital, Woodrow Drive, Redditch, Worcestershire, B987UB
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Given the variation between posts, all Secretaries should be able to undertake the following duties as their job. Secretaries will, however, be expected to work in teams to fulfil basic and extended roles.
- To assist with the sorting of the day to day incoming mail, taking action or referring back to the senior medical secretary, where necessary.
- To provide general admin support to the IBD Nurses & the Liver CNS; this will include duties such as sending letters to patients who are due biologic therapy, assisting with patients who are due blood tests prior to an appointment & taking messages from patients who contact our IBD helpline.
- To undertake medical audio/copy typing duties, including outpatient letters to GPs, discharge summaries and other official correspondence.
- To accept enquiries from clinicians, GPs, Health Service and Social Services personnel, other hospitals, voluntary agencies, patients and their relatives. Patient contact by telephone is an integral part of the basic role. To deal with these enquiries or refer back to the Senior Medical Secretary where necessary.
- To ensure all documentation is uploaded to the electronic patient record system accurately and in a timely manner.
- To participate in the use of the PAS system to establish patient information and produce patient documentation as required.
- To assist in providing cover for other secretaries in the Medical Directorate to ensure continuity of service to Consultant, medical staff, service users and patients.
- To undertake any photocopying and collation as required.
- To undertake any other duties as may be required/appropriate by the Senior Secretaries/ Directorate Support Manager.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
- GCSE English & Maths
- Recognised word processing / typing qualification
Desirable
- Shorthand qualification
- AMSPAR qualification
Personal Qualities Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Able to work under pressure
- Ability to work under own initiative and part of a team
Experience Essential
- Proven secretarial experience
- Experience of working in a busy office
Desirable
- NHS experience
- Use of OASIS PAS system
- Medical secretarial experience
Skills and Knowledge Essential
- Audio typing
- In-depth working knowledge of Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS systems
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.
Employer details
Employer name : Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address : The Alexandra Hospital, Woodrow Drive, Redditch, Worcestershire, B987UB
Employer’s website :
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Support Secretary, Gastroenterology employer: The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Contact Detail:
The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Secretary, Gastroenterology
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific software and systems mentioned in the job description, such as Microsoft Office and any NHS systems. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in a busy office environment, especially if you have worked in healthcare or a similar field. Be prepared to discuss how you managed your workload and prioritized tasks effectively in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully handled inquiries from various stakeholders, such as clinicians, patients, and relatives. This will demonstrate your ability to be a strong communicator and team player.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and their values, particularly their commitment to flexible working and patient-centered care. Being able to align your personal values with theirs during the interview can make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Secretary, Gastroenterology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Support Secretary position in Gastroenterology. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, such as excellent IT and communication skills, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any previous secretarial experience, especially in a busy office or healthcare environment. Mention specific tasks you've handled that align with the duties listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in audio typing and Microsoft Office. If you have experience with NHS systems or medical secretarial work, make sure to include that as well, as it will strengthen your application.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your application documents are well-organized and free of errors. Use a professional format for your CV and cover letter, and maintain a formal yet friendly tone throughout your writing to reflect the supportive work environment described.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a Support Secretary, excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively during the interview. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've handled inquiries or communicated with different stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Organizational Abilities
The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks. Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload, especially in a busy environment. Consider sharing specific examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple responsibilities in the past.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The job description emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability. Prepare to talk about situations where you've had to adjust to changing circumstances or take on new challenges. This will show that you're a proactive team player who can thrive in a dynamic work environment.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Relevant Systems
Having knowledge of NHS systems and experience with medical secretarial duties can set you apart. If you have experience with OASIS or PAS systems, be sure to mention it. If not, do some research on these systems to show your willingness to learn and adapt to the tools used in the role.