Job overview
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Clinical Coder to join our experienced Cross Bay Clinical Coding Team. This permanent, full-time role offers the chance to work in a dynamic, digitally enabled environment across Furness General Hospital, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and Westmorland General Hospital, with ongoing professional development and training.
The role involves accurate and timely coding of hospital activity, participation in mortality reviews, specialty-specific training, mentoring trainee coders, and promoting the importance of high-quality coded data. Applicants must have excellent analytical and judgment skills, proficiency in digital tools, and the ability to manage workloads independently. Strong knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, and the ability to liaise effectively with NHS staff at all levels are essential.
Applicants must hold the Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) qualification from the Institute of Health Record and Information Management and have extensive coding experience across multiple specialties within an acute NHS Trust. Evidence of attending a coding refresher course within the last two to three years is also required.
This role offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to advance their career in a forward-thinking and supportive environment. If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to apply.
Main duties of the job
Clinically coded data is used to record hospital activity for financial accountability purposes. Diseases and other health information can be extracted, measured and monitored in order to inform service planning and development, with the ultimate aim of improving the health and health care of the users of the Trust’s services.
Clinical Coders are responsible for the accurate and timely recording of clinical data to support the Trust’s clinical and business requirements and for regional and National Health Service statistics.
The post holder will be required to work as a member of a team to provide an efficient clinical coding service working to established systems and procedures.
They will screen medical records, discharge summaries and other data sources to extract clinical information relevant to a patient’s episode of care and turn this into structured diagnostic and procedure data using International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) and Office of the Population of Censuses and Surveys (OPCS 4) coding standards.
They will also communicate and liaise effectively with clinicians, nursing staff, other professionals and departments, both internal and external, across all specialties.
Working for our organisation
Why Choose OneLSC and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust:
* A vibrant, diverse, and inclusive healthcare community
* Cutting-edge facilities and technology
* Opportunities for continuous professional development
* A culture that values and recognizes your contributions
We operate from three main hospitals-Furness General Hospital (FGH) in Barrow, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) in Kendal, as well as a number of community healthcare premises including Millom Hospital and GP Practice, Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe, and Ulverston Community Health Centre.
FGH and the RLI have a range of General Hospital services, with full Emergency Departments, Critical/Coronary Care units and various Consultant-led services.
WGH provides a range of General Hospital services, together with an Urgent Treatment Centre, that can help with a range of non-life threatening conditions such as broken bones and minor illnesses.
All three main hospitals provide a range of planned care including outpatients, diagnostics, therapies, day case and inpatient surgery. In addition, a range of local outreach services and diagnostics are provided from community facilities across Morecambe Bay.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay visiting our website
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Minimum A level qualification or equivalent qualification or equivalent knowledge.
* National Clinical Coding Qualification or equivalent experience (as per guidance from NHS Connecting for Health).
* Undertaken the Clinical Coding Foundation Course
* Up to date with Clinical Coding Refresher Courses
Desirable criteria
* Qualification or experience in science or healthcare environment.
* European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Experience
Essential criteria
* The principles of Clinical Coding
* Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality, Data Protection Act and Caldicott Principles
* Significant knowledge of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology
* Significant knowledge of clinical coding requirements and standards
Skills, ability and knowledge
Essential criteria
* Ability to motivate others within the coding team, on wards and other clinical staff to ensure coding standards are met
* Ability to recognise poor quality data and development of improvement actions
* Able to use Microsoft applications i.e. word, excel
* Ability to correctly code a number of clinical specialties and more complex specialties
* Ability to provide coding advice and support to less experienced coding officers.
* Ability to work to a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
* Ability to communicate with colleagues at different levels i.e. multi-disciplinary teams
* Ability to explain complex coding terminology to a variety of contacts and stakeholders in order that they clearly understand coding requirements.
* Ability to overcome barriers to engagement of stakeholders by using persuasive communications.
Desirable criteria
* Participation in Clinical Coding Audits
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
* Ability to work on own initiative to prioritise and plan workloads.
* Able to work accurately under pressure to meet deadlines.
* Effective and supportive Team player
* A flexible approach to working hours
* Ability to maintain and develop own skills and knowledge.
* Monitors own targets/performance
* Self-motivated
* Adaptable to change
* Ability to manage difficult situations confidently.