Medical Secretary - Ophthalmology Department

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; Torquay; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Torquay is seeking a motivated secretarial member to join the Ophthalmology team. Responsibilities include managing two Consultant Ophthalmologists, handling patient enquiries, and supporting administrative tasks. Ideal candidates will have proven secretarial experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure in the NHS environment. A chance to make a difference in patient care awaits you.

Qualifications

• Proven secretarial experience with RSA 2 or similar.
• Experience of audio typing and working with patient records.
• Good communicator, able to work independently as well as in a team.

Responsibilities

• Look after two Consultant Ophthalmologists and their teams.
• Handle patient enquiries and manage clinical diaries.
• Support with various office duties to ensure efficient operation.

Skills

Proven secretarial experience with RSA 2 or similar

Experience of audio typing

Good communicator

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Experience working in the NHS

Tools

PAS

Infoflex

E-Referral

Microsoft applications

Job description

Role Overview

We are looking for a new and enthusiastic member of staff to join our existing Ophthalmology secretarial team. This role is for 4 months in the first instance with a view to becoming permanent in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Look after two Consultant Ophthalmologists and their associated teams.
• Work closely with all grades of clinical and administrative staff, liaising with patients, GP's and other external agencies.
• Handle empathy and tact when dealing with upset patients.
• Track results of tests and investigations, show them to the relevant consultant promptly, and undertake appropriate action as instructed.
• Deal with patient/carer telephone calls and enquiries efficiently, confidentially, exercising judgement to resolve problems and refer on to the clinician as appropriate.
• Maintain and check clinical diaries (paper and electronic) against published timetables, arrange meetings and appointments, and manage staff leave & cover arrangements.
• Support with office duties: filing, opening and distributing post, photocopying, moving and lifting patient notes to ensure efficient support to the department.
• Plan and organise own workload efficiently, highlighting any concerns to the Admin Team Leaders.

Team & Organisation

The Ophthalmology department consists of 13 Consultant Ophthalmologists, 2 Associate Specialists and 1 specialty doctor, supported by a Practice Manager, 2 Admin Team Leaders, an Eye Surgery Unit supervisor, and a team of B3/B2 secretaries plus B2 receptionists/admissions clerks. The department is very busy and the admin teams are key to ensure smooth, efficient operation.

Benefits & Working Environment

One of the main rewards of this role is knowing you have made a difference and enhanced a patient's experience within the Ophthalmology Department. The team works well under pressure, as a team player and independently, prioritising workload effectively.

Candidate Profile

• Proven secretarial experience with RSA 2 or similar.
• Experience of audio typing, working with patient records and using hospital databases such as PAS, Infoflex, E-Referral and Microsoft applications.
• Experience working in the NHS, under pressure.
• Good communicator, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Will undertake an audio typing and grammar test at interview.

Equal Opportunity

The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010.