Job summary
The ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department, also known as Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the head and neck. ENT specialists, are trained to address a wide range of conditions that affect the ears, nose, throat, and related structures.
Patients typically seek the expertise of ENT specialists for a variety of symptoms, including hearing loss, chronic sinus issues, voice changes, throat pain, and facial trauma. ENT specialists use a combination of medical and surgical interventions to manage these conditions, and they often work closely with other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.
It's important to note that within the ENT department, practitioners may have subspecialties that allow them to focus on specific aspects of ear, nose, and throat care. Overall, the ENT department plays a crucial role in addressing a wide range of medical issues related to the head and are a growing team that supports each other and works well together.
Main duties of the job
Working as a secretary in the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department can be a rewarding and valuable role within a healthcare setting. Here's an overview of reasons why someone might consider working as a secretary in the ENT department:
Patient Interaction: As a secretary, you will be one of the first points of contact for patients. This role allows you to interact with a diverse group of individuals, providing assistance with appointments, answering inquiries, and offering support. For individuals who enjoy helping people, this can be a fulfilling aspect of the job.
Varied Responsibilities: Secretaries in ENT often have diverse responsibilities, including managing schedules, coordinating appointments, handling phone calls, and maintaining patient records. This variety can make the job dynamic and interesting, with opportunities to develop organisational and multitasking skills.
Contribution to patient care: While not directly involved in medical procedures, secretaries play a crucial role in supporting the overall patient care process. Efficient scheduling and organization contribute to the smooth functioning of the department, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
Collaboration: Working closely with ENT specialists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals provides a collaborative and team-oriented environment. Secretaries often act as a bridge between patients and healthcare providers, facilitating effective communication and coordination.
About us
Join us at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and be part of a workforce of over 10,000 staff!
The NNUH is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, providing first-class acute care for around one million people, living in Norfolk and surrounding areas. We are a teaching and research hospital, at the forefront of innovation, home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Quadram Institute. We are pleased to work closely with the University of East Anglia, providing teaching opportunities for our staff and placement opportunities for their students. We attract some of the best and leading professionals from across the country and are proud that our workforce represents 94 countries from across the world.
We are a friendly, collaborative hospital, working with local services and home to N&N Hospitals Charity
We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition:
1. Flexible working hours
2. Fast Track Staff Physiotherapy Service
3. Multi Faith prayer room
4. Discounted gym memberships
5. Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement
6. Wagestream - access up to 40% of your pay as you earn it
7. Free Park & Ride service direct to NNUH site
8. Free 24-hours confidential counselling support
9. On-site Nursery
10. On-site cafes offering staff discounts
11. Support in career development
12. Flexible staff bank
13. Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars, Cycle to Work scheme and home electronics
Job description
Job responsibilities
14. Deal efficiently and effectively with direct and indirect ( telephone, face to face) enquiries from patients, all levels of medical and nursing staff, GPs, Social Services and other health professionals and staff. Respond to enquiries, providing routine and non-routine information and non-clinical advice, resolving problems where possible. Communicate appropriately with patients who may be fearful, aggressive or have sensitive concerns needing reassurance and who may present difficulties in communication terminally ill patients, deaf patients, mentally ill patients and elderly confused patients.
15. Update RTT in accordance with Trust guidelines. Assist the Administration and Clerical team with data management utilising PAS and other departmental patient databases.
16. Provide flexible cover and support to secretarial colleagues to ensure that the department is working optimally to best meet the needs of the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
17. Willingness to undertake additional training, on the job and / or formally to carry out the duties required
18. Good general standard of literacy and numeracy
Desirable
19. RSA III or equivalent
20. Knowledge of medical terminology/AMSPAR qualification
Experience
Desirable
21. Previous digital / audio typing experience
Skills
Essential
22. Ability to work to tight deadlines and maintain concentration in a pressurised working environment
Attitude, aptitude
Essential
23. Effective role model, demonstrating NNUH's PRIDE values of People focussed, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Excellence
24. Demonstrates understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion