Surgical Secretary

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Educated to GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in English & Maths IT experience of Microsoft Office packages IT capable to ensure proficient use of hospital computer systems An excellent, professional telephone manner to minimise conflict, resolve queries and maintain the reputation of the organisation when dealing with all calls Proven organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and ability to work to deadlines in line with Trust targets Good written and verbal communication skills with a good command and understanding of English, punctuation and grammar Good interpersonal skills for dealing with people internal and external to the organisation Ability to work flexibly within a team Ability to work quickly and accurately Ability to use own judgement and initiative as appropriate GENERAL DUTIES Providing a comprehensive secretarial support to a busy consultant surgeon whilst being the first point of call for patients, GPs, family members and other professional colleagues and organisations. Typing correspondence to patients, GPs, medical staff and any other required addressee following clinical attendance or other patient contacts as directed by the Secretarial Supervisor. Tracking of results/ appointments and highlighting to the clinical team members any results, correspondence or patient queries that need response and taking action e.g. booking investigations, transcription, etc, to ensure that RTT guidelines are achieved for patients.

Overseeing and managing elective waiting lists for inpatient and outpatient care alongside the utilisation of theatre lists. Checking of clinic outcomes to ensure accuracy To work with the Central Booking Office to ensure that clinics are utilised to capacity. SPECIALITY SPECIFIC SUPPORT Regularly informing the secretarial supervisor about progress and flagging up as a matter of urgency any issues, for example, capacity or delays due to internal or external factors, difficult queries from patients, etc Diary management, including making appointments, booking meeting dates and venues, organising and distributing paperwork as required by the clinical team/supervisor. Supporting consultant staff with their additional responsibilities, such as clinical governance, Clinical Tutor role, etc.

This may include setting up training days, teaching sessions, organising visitors, etc. Liaising with external organisations for the benefit and progress of patient care, such as Social Services, other hospitals etc SERVICE IMPROVEMENT Using speciality databases for recording patient information/clinic activity for audit/survey purposes, as well as sending out any associated paperwork. Regular audit of data is undertaken and decisions can then be made by the department/team as to appropriate service improvements. Support the development of improvements to working practices and processes and contribute to service reviews and the implementation of new arrangements.

As directed, support the resolution of complaints or concerns from patients/carers by helping to collate information and work with the supervisor to respond or escalate appropriately. TEAM WORKING To work cohesively with colleagues to ensure that administrative work is shared out equally and performed to excellent, efficient and safe standards To cover colleagues during absences/annual/sick leave as directed by lead management. You may also be required to undertake job rotation for cross cover as well as for development and training purposes. Undertaking routine office duties including electronic note tracking, photocopying, faxing, and filing of correspondence and results and maintenance of records Assist in the training and induction for new and existing colleagues Take the initiative as and when required as well as working flexibly and adapting to the demands of the department/team as appropriate Liaise with relevant team members to ensure that any process changes run smoothly and efficiently.

Undertake any other appropriate duties commensurate with the role, as required at the request of your line manager. COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Medical staff both junior and senior including consultants Nursing staff Patients, carers and relatives Other medical secretaries/ward clerks Outpatient staff Health Records Pathology Radiology GPs and GP practices Management, including Lead Co-ordinator and General Management team Other NHS organisations External bodies, such as solicitor practices, DVLA, social services, police, coroner's office etc PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Fully participate in the Trusts appraisal system review and personal development planning process on an annual basis (for an apprentice this may be more often) Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with line manager as part of the personal development planning process Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timesca