Surgical Ward Clerk (Peripatetic)

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS Pension scheme (generous)

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice options including on‑

Nursery onsite at Exeter (OFSTED rated

Car lease schemes

Job summary

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Ward Clerk to provide a welcoming front-of-house presence and efficient administrative support for the Surgical Ward team in Devon. The role focuses on professional communication with patients, relatives and staff, while upholding confidentiality and a high standard of customer care.

We value enthusiastic, dedicated individuals who wish to make a difference and are open to informal chats or departmental visits.

Qualifications

• Background in customer service and/or administration is preferred.
• Candidates should be enthusiastic and dedicated to making a difference.
• Informal chats or departmental visits are actively encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Provide a proactive and professional welcome to the Ward reception as the public face of the Trust.
• Deliver an efficient administrative and clerical service to the Ward Team.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and staff to ensure smooth ward operation and enhanced patient care.
• Ensure information security and confidentiality at all times.
• Provide excellent customer care, including support for distressed or anxious patients and relatives.
• Maintain the professional image of the Trust at all times.

Skills

Customer service

Administration

Communication

Job description

Role Summary

Would you like the opportunity to work in a supportive team environment that provides the first point of contact for our Surgical Ward patients and visitors?

• Provide a proactive and professional welcome to the Ward reception, acting as the public face for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
• Deliver an efficient administrative and clerical service to the Ward Team.
• Maintain effective communication to both patients, relatives and staff in order to ensure the smooth running of the ward; enhancing patient care.
• Ensure all information is secure and confidentiality of information is maintained at all times.
• Provide excellent customer care which may include communication with distressed and anxious patients and relatives, treating them with tact and empathy.
• Ensure the professional image of the Trust is maintained at all times.

More detail about the role

We currently cover our 7 Surgical Wards, each housing a Medical team consisting of Health Care Support Workers, Nurses, Doctors, with the Ward Clerk being pivotal to the administrative support required. There will also be opportunities for you to work alongside other Ward Clerk colleagues throughout the Trust.

Ideally, you would have a background in customer service and/or administration, but more importantly, we are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic, dedicated and who wish to make a difference.

We actively encourage informal chats or departmental visits

Working Pattern

37.5 hours, hours to be discussed at interview but will range from 07:00am-19:00.

Interview Date

21.10.2026

For further information please contact

Matthew Trafford, Ward Clerk Team Leader on [e-mail]

This is a fixed term contract until 31/08/2027. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people's own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world‑class care to our local communities.

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme