Medical Secretary

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a full-time Ophthalmic Assistant to join its Ophthalmology Department. The role involves working with a diverse patient base, performing diagnostic procedures, and offering support in various clinical areas. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, technical aptitude, and have experience with visually impaired individuals. Opportunities for professional development are available.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement starting at 27 days plus Bank Holidays

Additional leave for birthdays

Access to pension schemes

Discounts and fitness facilities

Qualifications

• Experience working with visually impaired individuals.
• Educated to GCSE grade C or equivalent.
• Experience in acute hospital setting or primary care dispensing qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clinical areas and ensure equipment availability.
• Discuss imaging procedures with patients and obtain consent.
• Assist trained nursing staff and perform diagnostic procedures as competent.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Communication skills

Technical aptitude

Education

GCSE grade C or equivalent

Tools

Humphrey Field analyzers

OCT machines

Job description

Applications are invited for a full-time enthusiastic and self-motivated Ophthalmic Assistant to join our small, friendly team.

The Ophthalmology Department at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust has approximately 29,000 attendances per year. The client base covers the full age range, from neonates to patients over 100 years old.

The post holder will participate in daily service delivery within the department and have experience working with individuals with visual impairments. The role is diverse, offering opportunities in various clinical areas such as cataract, glaucoma, medical retina, and virtual monitoring clinics. On-the-job training will be provided to learn new skills like Biometry, Topography, Spectralis, and Retinal Photography. The assistant will also assist with ophthalmic treatments and procedures once trained and competent.

The ideal candidate will have a high level of accuracy, excellent hand-eye coordination, technical aptitude, and strong communication skills.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Main duties of the job

• Prepare clinical areas for patient reception and ensure all necessary equipment is available.
• Discuss clinical imaging procedures with patients and obtain consent.
• Perform investigational and diagnostic procedures as trained and competent.
• Maintain cleanliness of the department and participate in equipment and area cleaning.
• Assist trained nursing staff with delegated duties within the scope of training and competence.
• Support ophthalmic treatments and procedures after training and competency are achieved.
• Contribute to the smooth daily operation of the department and support good working practices.
• Assist patients, including those using wheelchairs, in maneuvering into clinical rooms and positioning at machines.
• Accurately maintain medical records, including manual and electronic data entry.

Working for our organization

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) is an innovative hospital with over 250 years of heritage, committed to delivering outstanding patient and staff experiences.

We are rated “Good” by the CQC and provide regional and specialist services, including Burns, Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, Genetics, Rehabilitation, and more. With about 470 beds and over 4000 staff, we support flexible working and offer various benefits such as NHS discounts, paid holidays, pension schemes, and on-site amenities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful candidate should have knowledge of ophthalmic equipment like Humphrey Field analyzers and OCT machines, and be computer literate with basic ECDL skills. Candidates with dispensing qualifications or healthcare experience are encouraged to apply.

Once competencies are gained, there are opportunities for professional development and progression to Band 4. A valid driving license is essential for future peripheral clinics.

Person specification

• Must hold a current valid driving license.
• Educated to GCSE grade C or equivalent, with basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Experience working with visually impaired individuals.
• Experience in an acute hospital setting or primary care dispensing qualification is desirable.
• Good communication skills and experience dealing with the public.
• High accuracy, technical aptitude, and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement starting at 27 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing with service.
• Additional leave for birthdays.
• Access to pension schemes, life assurance, health and wellbeing programs.
• Discounts, cycle schemes, on-site nursery, fitness facilities, and ongoing training opportunities.