Network Schedulers

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization in Manchester is seeking a dedicated administrative professional to coordinate SACT treatment bookings and patient appointments. This role entails excellent communication skills, the ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion, and proficiency in office systems. Occasional shifts on bank holidays and weekends are expected. Successful candidates will contribute to a supportive team environment while ensuring efficient patient care. Training will be provided on specific systems.

Qualifications

• Experience dealing with patients and handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work varied shifts and under pressure.
• Competent use of computer systems for patient management.

Responsibilities

• Book SACT treatment patients and outpatient appointments.
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and relatives.
• Ensure confidentiality and follow relevant protocols.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Compassionate handling of patients

Teamwork

Computer skills

Tools

iQemo scheduling system

Patient information systems

Office equipment (PC, fax)

Job description

The post holder’s role will include booking SACT treatment patients and outpatients appointments, communicating with patients and relatives face to face and by phone, and ensuring patients receive their appointments in a timely manner. Other administration skills will be required to support the clinical teams.

The role requires meeting deadlines, communicating well with all members of the multidisciplinary team, and acting in a professional, courteous manner at all times.

The successful candidate will cover reception duties and work a variety of shifts between 7:30 am and 6:00 pm throughout the week, with occasional work on bank holidays and Saturdays on rotation.

Key Role Dimensions

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Exchange information with patients and staff on the admission and discharge of patients, both verbally and in written format
• Communicate complex information about chemotherapy appointment schedules to patients
• Communicate with patients who may be anxious, angry or upset
• Exchange relevant information with GPs and other health professionals
• Deal compassionately with distressing situations
• Liaise with other members of staff regarding case notes and patient visits
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

Analytical & Judgmental Skills

• Resolve issues arising in own role, such as cancellation of patient appointments and missing patient notes
• Use own initiative to liaise with clinical staff where necessary regarding patient queries
• Use patient information systems to assist patients and staff with solving issues
• Apply knowledge to correctly code treatment appointments and first definitive treatments
• Assess patients’ demographic details and alert management if they do not reach eligibility criteria for treatment in the NHS

Planning & Organizational Skills

• Plan for patient admissions, appointments, and discharge
• Prepare clinic to ensure that all clinical notes and forms are present
• Make alterations to clinic structure to accommodate arrival of unexpected patients
• Use the iQemo scheduling system to book patients for treatment
• Re‑arrange clinics to accommodate staff absence
• Ensure that annual leave does not occur at the same time as colleagues
• Provide cover for colleagues across the Division and at other bases who deliver chemotherapy activity in times of sickness and annual leave — therefore will be familiar with systems and processes in all areas

Physical Skills

• Work in patient information system, requiring standard keyboard skills
• Use office equipment including PCs, fax machine, and phones

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive advice to patients/relatives regarding appointments
• Signpost patients to other areas of hospital
• Follow all relevant policy and legislation and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure policies are adhered to
• Handle financial donations, frequently made by patients visiting the unit
• Ensure that office supplies are adequate, ordered and obtained for the smooth running of the unit
• Provide induction support to new post holders and demonstrate workplace routines to less experienced members of staff
• Update patient demographic details in patient information system; enter patient appointments and outcomes; track patient notes; print forms to attach to patient notes; print out daily clinic lists
• Undertake surveys/audits as necessary to own work
• Follow all relevant protocols, SOPs and standard practice; use own initiative to solve problems and answer staff and patient enquiries

Effort and Working Conditions

• Physical effort: periods of time spent sitting at keyboard; moving heavy case notes around reception areas
• Mental effort: concentration required when making appointments and entering data; constant interruptions from phone calls, patients presenting at reception, and demands from other staff; unpredictable pattern of working due to unplanned patients, missing case notes, cancelled clinics, staff absence and patient illness
• Emotional effort: direct interaction with patients suffering from terminal illnesses; receive phone calls from family members informing of the death or deterioration of patients; frequent exposure to distressed patients
• Working conditions: continuous use of VDU for patient management; busy reception area; frequent exposure to physically ill patients in waiting area

Additional Information

• The post holder will require excellent communication skills, be able to work as part of a team and manage their own workload. The role requires considerable computer work using the trust’s systems – training will be given.
• Occasional work at various Christie sites; candidates must have their own transport and a full UK driving licence.
• Attendance at an early clinical trial site and other specialist services may be required.
• The closing date for this post may be extended if there are insufficient applicants or brought forward if there is a high volume of applicants.
• The Christie values diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people and people with disabilities.
• All applicants need to provide satisfactory references, medical clearance, evidence of Right to Work in the UK and, where required, a DBS check. Only the appointed employee pays for the DBS check.
• We have a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery and a commitment to ethical conduct and transparency.
• Successful applicants will be required to comply with a No Smoking Policy.

By applying for this post you agree to the transfer of your information to the trust’s preferred applicant management system and the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. All communication regarding your application will be made by email.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, we regret that on this occasion your application will have been unsuccessful.