Patient Administrator (Patient Pathway Coordinator PPC)

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Southampton seeks a motivated Patient Pathway Coordinator to support the Neuro and Spinal teams. This role involves extensive administrative tasks, including coordinating appointments and managing patient communication, ensuring a high standard of care. Ideal candidates will have strong organisational skills and experience in customer-focused administration. The position offers opportunities for personal growth within a collaborative environment, contributing to improved patient experiences and operational efficiency.

Benefits

NHS discounts

Minimum 35 days paid holiday

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience as an administrator or secretary in a customer-focused environment.
• Knowledge of secretarial or administrative procedures.
• Ability to use judgement to solve problems/enquiries.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Neuro and Spinal teams.
• Coordinate appointment bookings and manage correspondence.
• Ensure smooth flow of information among clinicians and support services.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to multitask

Education

Level 3 qualification in administration or customer service

Good standard of secondary education (GCSE pass level)

Tools

Microsoft systems

Hospital computerized patient systems

Job description

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and well‑organised individual to join our expanding administrative team within the Neurosciences Division at UHS. Following the recent move of our Neurosciences and Spinal administrative teams to one location, we are bringing together two dynamic and experienced groups to create a single, collaborative service. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a team at the heart of this positive change.

As a Patient Pathway Coordinator, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of Neuro and Spinal surgical and Neurology administrative tasks across both specialties. You’ll work closely with clinicians, patients, and other members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure appointments and procedures are coordinated effectively and that patients receive the highest standard of care.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment, has excellent communication and organisational skills, and takes pride in delivering high‑quality administrative support.

The Neuro and Spinal teams offer exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth — you’ll gain exposure to a wider range of services, develop new skills, and be part of a supportive and forward‑thinking team focused on improving patient experience and service efficiency.

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real difference, be part of a positive and evolving team, and develop your career, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

We have an exciting opportunity available for a Full‑time patient pathway coordinator to join our busy but exciting Neurosurgery team at the Wessex Neurological Centre.

This role is essential for the seamless operation of our services and significantly impacts our patients’ experiences.

In collaboration with your team of consultants, you will provide comprehensive administrative support. Your responsibilities will be diverse and will include direct communication with patients and healthcare professionals, coordinating appointment bookings, managing correspondence and actions from outpatient clinics, and ensuring the smooth flow of information among various clinicians and support services.

UHS offers outstanding training and development opportunities to help you achieve your career aspirations. Supporting the growth of our staff is fundamental to delivering high‑quality, safe, and effective care. We provide a nurturing environment for professional development, and internal applicants seeking to gain experience in different roles or areas of the hospital may be considered for secondment opportunities.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non‑clinical roles may involve a mixture of on‑site and remote working, specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Confidently use Microsoft systems, working with minimal supervision and demonstrating a tactful, sensitive approach to challenging situations.

Exhibit empathy and excellent communication skills, acting as the first point of contact by handling telephone calls, emails, and visitors, responding promptly and efficiently to queries, or redirecting them to the appropriate person/department.

Thrive under pressure and prioritise your workload effectively. Collaborate with a large team, demonstrating flexibility in multitasking and covering for colleagues as needed. Communicate effectively with ward teams, matrons, divisional nursing staff, consultants, ward administrators, and patients.

Work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Familiarity with the Trust’s electronic systems is advantageous but not essential, as training will be provided.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Good standard of secondary education with literacy and numeracy skills demonstrable to GCSE pass level or equivalent standard.
• Level 3 qualification in administration or customer service or equivalent experience, or Level 2 vocational qualification in administration or customer service or an equivalent level of experience. Experience as an administrator or secretary in an organisation with a customer‑focused environment. Able to use judgement to make decisions in order to solve problems/enquiries that are non‑routine and not straight‑forward.
• Knowledge and experience of secretarial or administrative procedures.
• Experience as an administrator or secretary in an organisation with a customer‑focused environment.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Courses or further study attended to demonstrate evidence of personal development.
• Vocational Level 3 qualification in administration, word processing, typing or an equivalent level of experience.
• Diploma level qualification or an equivalent level of experience.
• Experience as a medical or patient services secretary linked to a clinical service or customer‑focused environment.
• Proficient in the use of all hospital computerised patient systems.
• Experience in understanding and analysing patient pathways.
• Knowledge of both local and national targets relating to RTT and cancer pathways.