Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site St Richards Hospital Town Chichester Salary £23,615 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 10/04/2025 23:59
Pathology Clerical Officer
Band 2
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
To provide essential clerical and administrative support to the Pathology service, whilst providing an exceptional “Patient First” experience for patients attending the department for blood tests and appointments. To assist in the receipt of patient samples, the data entry of patient and specimen details onto the Pathology IT system.
To work alongside a team of approximately 4 Clerical Officers in the Pathology Office, which makes a combined workforce of approximately 60 clinical, administrative and scientific personnel across the Pathology Support Service.
Regular interaction and communication with Visitors, Patients & Relatives attending the Pathology Department as well as a close working relationship with Phlebotomists, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Biomedical Scientists and Managers within Blood Sciences.
Main duties of the job
The Pathology Support Service at University Hospital Sussex is looking to recruit a confident and approachable Clerical Officer to support our Pathology Office & Patient Reception at St Richards Hospital.
Our front of house teams are often the first point of contact for patients visiting the Trust, creating an integral link between our service users and Pathology as the face of our organisation.
Using computer-based appointment systems is a fundamental aspect of the role so experience using Careflow, ICE, Winpath or any Patient/Customer Bookings IT systems would be highly desirable, as would someone who is adaptable to change with a desire for digital innovation and improvement.
This is a part-time vacancy based at St Richards Hospital with the occasional requirement to provide cover in Worthing to meet the ongoing needs of the Pathology service. Both locations are connected with good public transport links, and a free minibus service between sites.
To maintain a reliable service for patients, flexibility is required between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday.
We are recruiting 1 post at 16 hours a week.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Ensure that patients, visitors and contractors are greeted and assisted in a polite and courteous manner, in line with Trust expectations and “Patient First” best practice.
Confidently deal with patient, GP and hospital telephone enquiries, transferring them to the correct department if appropriate, or seeking advice from senior staff to resolve the situation.
Create, cancel and amend appointments directly on the Trusts’ IT systems, ensuring patients and staff are kept informed during the process.
Make suitable transport arrangements for patients if requested.
Support Pathology clinics by assisting in the preparation of patient notes, scheduling of clinic appointments and communication with patients via telephone and in writing.
Empathetically resolve verbal complaints received from patients in a kind and compassionate manner seeking appropriate guidance from senior management when required.
Communicate and work effectively with patients who may have physical or mental disabilities, or those who require additional support.
Person specification
Knowledge, Training and Experience
* GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above.
* Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.
* Previous experience in Pathology or the NHS.
* Experience using the Trusts PAS system (Careflow).
* Knowledge of ICE, Winpath and Q-Pulse Laboratory systems.
Personal Skills
* Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
* Efficient time management skills and an ability to work to tight deadlines and departmental targets.
IT Skills
* Full knowledge and competency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
* Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentiality.
* Experience using patient or customer databases and appointment systems.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to)
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the managers discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Name Alison Jones Job title Patient and specimen Reception Team leader Email address alison.jones9@nhs.net Telephone number 01243 788122 Additional information
For more information or for an informal discussion about this vacancy please contact: 01243 788122 Ext 33600
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