Medical Secretary

• To support the Senior Medical Secretaries on a day-to-day basis with admin, typing of letters and overseeing of basic tasks
• To liaise with and act as a point of contact for clinical and non-clinical staff via telephone and email
• To act as a point of contact for patients, relatives and carers. The post holder should be polite and empathetic to the patient's needs at all times and be able to communicate effectively when dealing with difficult situations/conversations
• Returning calls promptly and keeping callers updated with information in an effective and efficient way
• Escalate patient queries, capacity problems and general issues to the role's line manager or relevant clinical staff as appropriate
• To show a caring and professional approach towards patients, relatives and carers. This may require acting with resilience to deal with sometimes distressed patients and relatives in a professional and empathetic manner

We would welcome applications from those who meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification. This includes having a qualification (pass or distinction) in audio transcription, word processing or have relevant experience.

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retaina workforce whichrepresentsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Essential: - Educated to GCSE, grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Maths; - Business and Administration Level 3 NVQ or equivalent experience

Desirable: - Audio typing or medical secretary qualification; - Proofreading qualification or evidence of advanced keyboard skills

Essential: - Excellent verbal and written communication skills; - Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy; - Confidence to handle difficult conversations with patients, relatives and carers; - Ability to handle difficult conversations professionally and sensitively; - Strong organisational and prioritisation skills; - Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages; - Ability to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines; - Attention to detail

Desirable: - Understanding of RTT pathways and NHS performance targets; - Knowledge of NHS systems and processes; - Understanding of medical terminology

Essential: - Previous admin or secretarial role; - Experience dealing with members of the public by telephone and in person

Desirable: - Previous NHS experience; - Experience of clinical correspondence or digital dictation systems; - Experience supporting patient pathways and waiting list management

Essential: - Professional and patient-focused approach; - Ability to work independently and as part of a team; - Flexible and adaptable approach to work; - Commitment to confidentiality and data security; - Demonstrates Trust values