Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Deputy Patient Access Manager to join the Neurosurgery, Major Trauma and Plastics Directorate. The successful post holder will be an experienced and proactive individual, with knowledge of patient pathways and outpatient and treatment waiting list management. With a background in team management, you will be a credible and visible leader with excellent interpersonal skills. You will have a key role in the delivery of a high quality,effective and flexible service in respect of patients' pathways from referral to treatment. This role is ideal for someone with an eye for detail and desire to help improve the patient experience, to ensure that treatment is delivered in a timely and caring way. Main duties of the job To manage the patient's pathway from triage, first outpatient appointment, through diagnostics, treatment planning and treatment, highlighting potential delays in the pathways to Patient Access Manager, so they can escalate to Operations Manager, Directorate Manager and Head of Booking & Clinical Administration Services, ensuring that all patients who are not on 18 week pathways also receive timely care and treatment. Responsible for the review of the outpatient, inpatient and day case waiting lists and the continuous monitoring of all patient pathways, both patients on 18 week pathways and those awaiting planned care or who require regular follow up monitoring and review. This includes identifying blockages, bottlenecks in service delivery, a worsening treatment position and risk to patient from inadequate timescales to clinic availability. Ensuring adherence to Trust policies and procedures, in particular the Patient Access Policy. To recommend systems and processes which improve compliance to the policy. Work with the Booking Hub team leaders and booking appointments clerk in relation to correct adherence to the Patient Access Policy, ensuring all cancellations, DNA's and patients affected by clinic changes are rebooked in an appropriate timely manner. Mobilise additional clinical capacity as required on behalf of the Directorate manager(s). Responsible for the day-to-day line management of administrative staff in line with Trust policies and procedures. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in ourOutstanding 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. Date posted 22 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 279-6594647-JAN25 Job locations Royal Sussex County Hospita Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Job description Job responsibilities Role Summary This role is a key member of the administration management team, working towards the achievement of key targets for the Neurosurgery Major Trauma and Plastics Directorate. The post holder will be responsible to the Patient Access Manager and will work within the Trusts patient access policy to deliver high quality, effective and flexible patient access, clerical and administrative services. They will also be responsible for the line management of administrative staff, including secretaries, bookers and rota co-ordinators. This will include the allocation of work, training and development, staff appraisal and recruitment and selection. Key Working Relationships Internal: Operational Managers Patient Access Managers Senior Management Team Team Members and colleagues within Directorates especially Consultant body and Clinical Nurse Specialists Diagnostic teams Main Duties and Responsibilities Communication Contribute to meetings for the area of expertise and up-to-date knowledge of service performance in a clear, concise manner, which include both recommendations for issue resolution and corrective action. Lead by example and demonstrates excellent communication and listening skills to staff and customers/patients, as the issues are often complex, highly sensitive and highly emotive as they involve waiting lists, time to treatment and delays to care, including cancellations. Convey knowledge of the Patient Access Policy to a range of staff including doctors, administration teams, nurses and management representatives, and others as required e.g. Commissioners and GPs. Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times and that staff adhere to the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and the Caldicott Principles, especially as patient records are commonplace. Service Delivery and Improvement To deliver a high quality, effective and flexible service in respect of the patient pathway from referral to treatment. Work closely with clinicians, nurses and all clinical staff to ensure that patients are actively managed through their pathways. To manage the patients pathway from triage, first outpatient appointment, through diagnostics, treatment planning and treatment, highlighting potential delays in the pathways to Patient Access Manager, so they can escalate to Operations Manager, Directorate Manager and Head of Booking & Clinical Administration Services, ensuring that all patients who are not on 18 week pathways also receive timely care and treatment To check and report on Consultants triaging of new referrals to ensure that the service meets the 48 hour target, ensuring that the coding proformas are current and up to date. To identify extra capacity slots required by each Service, to meet national targets with identification of the correct staffing and skill mix required to treat the patient lists. Responsible for the knowledge management of the Patient Tracking List (PTL for designated services on behalf of the Directorate. Being fully updated and aware of patient demand exceeding or diminishing in relation to current capacity and communication of the position to the Directorate Management Team, including the Patient Access Manager Responsible for the review of the outpatient, inpatient and day case waiting lists and the continuous monitoring of all patient pathways, both patients on 18 week pathways and those awaiting planned care or who require regular follow up monitoring and review. This includes identifying blockages, bottlenecks in service delivery, a worsening treatment position and risk to patient from inadequate timescales to clinic availability. Ensuring adherence to Trust policies and procedures, in particular the Patient Access Policy. To recommend systems and processes which improve compliance to the policy. Minimising clinic cancellations by ensuring a 6 week look forward of consultant availability is tracked to the clinic templates available, therefore avoiding late cancellations and where possible, arranging alternative availability. To work closely with Patient Access Manager, Operations Manager and Directorate Manager to develop and refine policies and procedures to ensure seamless management of the patient pathway from referral to treatment. Maintain up to date knowledge of all applicable targets and processes relating to the patient pathway and to be a point of reference within the directorate. Actively manage the services waiting lists and maintain a clear overview of all patients currently active in their pathway. Predict and prevent breaches of waiting time targets and delays due to problems in capacity, through liaison with clinicians. This includes highlighting performance risks and potential breaches to the Directorate Management team including the Patient Access Manager Ensure outpatient utilisation is on target by analysing the look forward reports and taking appropriate action with the clinicians. Work with reception teams to ensure all outpatient clinic outcomes are recorded within 1 working day of the clinics. Ensure all diagnostics are booked within pathway target times. Review all waiting lists and take appropriate action in working with The Booking Hub in the booking of outstanding patients. Work with the Booking Hub team leaders and booking appointments clerk in relation to correct adherence to the Patient Access Policy, ensuring all cancellations, DNAs and patients affected by clinic changes are rebooked in an appropriate timely manner. Mobilise additional clinical capacity as required on behalf of the Directorate manager(s). Analyse, investigate and resolve complex queries relating to the service. Keep up to date with relevant Patient Pathway guidance, Patient Access Policy, best practice and impending changes which could impact on the way of working. Providing support to the Patient Access Manager for the attendance at key meetings in regard to the access target and PTL list, as required. People Management and Development Assist Patient Access Manager in training of new staff, designing and monitoring the induction programme for the individual, including conveying knowledge of the service performance and systems and processes within the Trust which contribute to this. Responsible for the day-to-day line management of administrative staff in line with Trust policies and procedures. To maintain accurate annual leave and sickness records on behalf of the Patient Access Manager. To offer support and guidance through training and regular 1:1s with administration staff. Learning and Development Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service. This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation. Mission and values The mission of University Hospitals Sussex what we are striving to achieve is to provide: excellent care every time All our efforts to do this put the interests of our patients first and foremost, and are underpinned by our values: Compassion Communication Teamwork Respect Professionalism Inclusion These values were selected by our staff, patients and public when we were talking about the merger and the sort of organisation we want University Hospitals Sussex to be. Our mission and values are extremely important to us and we expect everyone who works at University Hospitals Sussex in any capacity to share and uphold them. Patient First Patient First is our Trust-wide approach to improving the quality of care for patients and to build and embed a culture where staff can be confident that their views matter and will be heard. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The Trust is committed to supporting Inclusion as can be seen by our Patient First Triangle with a clear value being Inclusion. We all have a responsibility to treat our colleagues, patients and service users with respect and dignity irrespective of; age, race, disability, gender reassignment/identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and part of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Champions programme. All staff have a duty to report any behaviours which contravene this to their managers. Job description Job responsibilities Role Summary This role is a key member of the administration management team, working towards the achievement of key targets for the Neurosurgery Major Trauma and Plastics Directorate. The post holder will be responsible to the Patient Access Manager and will work within the Trusts patient access policy to deliver high quality, effective and flexible patient access, clerical and administrative services. They will also be responsible for the line management of administrative staff, including secretaries, bookers and rota co-ordinators. This will include the allocation of work, training and development, staff appraisal and recruitment and selection. Key Working Relationships Internal: Operational Managers Patient Access Managers Senior Management Team Team Members and colleagues within Directorates especially Consultant body and Clinical Nurse Specialists Diagnostic teams Main Duties and Responsibilities Communication Contribute to meetings for the area of expertise and up-to-date knowledge of service performance in a clear, concise manner, which include both recommendations for issue resolution and corrective action. Lead by example and demonstrates excellent communication and listening skills to staff and customers/patients, as the issues are often complex, highly sensitive and highly emotive as they involve waiting lists, time to treatment and delays to care, including cancellations. Convey knowledge of the Patient Access Policy to a range of staff including doctors, administration teams, nurses and management representatives, and others as required e.g. Commissioners and GPs. Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times and that staff adhere to the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and the Caldicott Principles, especially as patient records are commonplace. Service Delivery and Improvement To deliver a high quality, effective and flexible service in respect of the patient pathway from referral to treatment. Work closely with clinicians, nurses and all clinical staff to ensure that patients are actively managed through their pathways. To manage the patients pathway from triage, first outpatient appointment, through diagnostics, treatment planning and treatment, highlighting potential delays in the pathways to Patient Access Manager, so they can escalate to Operations Manager, Directorate Manager and Head of Booking & Clinical Administration Services, ensuring that all patients who are not on 18 week pathways also receive timely care and treatment To check and report on Consultants triaging of new referrals to ensure that the service meets the 48 hour target, ensuring that the coding proformas are current and up to date. To identify extra capacity slots required by each Service, to meet national targets with identification of the correct staffing and skill mix required to treat the patient lists. Responsible for the knowledge management of the Patient Tracking List (PTL for designated services on behalf of the Directorate. Being fully updated and aware of patient demand exceeding or diminishing in relation to current capacity and communication of the position to the Directorate Management Team, including the Patient Access Manager Responsible for the review of the outpatient, inpatient and day case waiting lists and the continuous monitoring of all patient pathways, both patients on 18 week pathways and those awaiting planned care or who require regular follow up monitoring and review. This includes identifying blockages, bottlenecks in service delivery, a worsening treatment position and risk to patient from inadequate timescales to clinic availability. Ensuring adherence to Trust policies and procedures, in particular the Patient Access Policy. To recommend systems and processes which improve compliance to the policy. Minimising clinic cancellations by ensuring a 6 week look forward of consultant availability is tracked to the clinic templates available, therefore avoiding late cancellations and where possible, arranging alternative availability. To work closely with Patient Access Manager, Operations Manager and Directorate Manager to develop and refine policies and procedures to ensure seamless management of the patient pathway from referral to treatment. Maintain up to date knowledge of all applicable targets and processes relating to the patient pathway and to be a point of reference within the directorate. Actively manage the services waiting lists and maintain a clear overview of all patients currently active in their pathway. Predict and prevent breaches of waiting time targets and delays due to problems in capacity, through liaison with clinicians. This includes highlighting performance risks and potential breaches to the Directorate Management team including the Patient Access Manager Ensure outpatient utilisation is on target by analysing the look forward reports and taking appropriate action with the clinicians. Work with reception teams to ensure all outpatient clinic outcomes are recorded within 1 working day of the clinics. Ensure all diagnostics are booked within pathway target times. Review all waiting lists and take appropriate action in working with The Booking Hub in the booking of outstanding patients. Work with the Booking Hub team leaders and booking appointments clerk in relation to correct adherence to the Patient Access Policy, ensuring all cancellations, DNAs and patients affected by clinic changes are rebooked in an appropriate timely manner. Mobilise additional clinical capacity as required on behalf of the Directorate manager(s). Analyse, investigate and resolve complex queries relating to the service. Keep up to date with relevant Patient Pathway guidance, Patient Access Policy, best practice and impending changes which could impact on the way of working. Providing support to the Patient Access Manager for the attendance at key meetings in regard to the access target and PTL list, as required. People Management and Development Assist Patient Access Manager in training of new staff, designing and monitoring the induction programme for the individual, including conveying knowledge of the service performance and systems and processes within the Trust which contribute to this. Responsible for the day-to-day line management of administrative staff in line with Trust policies and procedures. To maintain accurate annual leave and sickness records on behalf of the Patient Access Manager. To offer support and guidance through training and regular 1:1s with administration staff. Learning and Development Attend mandatory training updates as required. Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales. Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager Participate in the Trusts appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service. This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation. Mission and values The mission of University Hospitals Sussex what we are striving to achieve is to provide: excellent care every time All our efforts to do this put the interests of our patients first and foremost, and are underpinned by our values: Compassion Communication Teamwork Respect Professionalism Inclusion These values were selected by our staff, patients and public when we were talking about the merger and the sort of organisation we want University Hospitals Sussex to be. Our mission and values are extremely important to us and we expect everyone who works at University Hospitals Sussex in any capacity to share and uphold them. Patient First Patient First is our Trust-wide approach to improving the quality of care for patients and to build and embed a culture where staff can be confident that their views matter and will be heard. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The Trust is committed to supporting Inclusion as can be seen by our Patient First Triangle with a clear value being Inclusion. We all have a responsibility to treat our colleagues, patients and service users with respect and dignity irrespective of; age, race, disability, gender reassignment/identity, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and part of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Champions programme. All staff have a duty to report any behaviours which contravene this to their managers. Person Specification Experience/ Qualifications Essential NHS experience Desirable Working knowledge and expertise of Careflow Knowledge of Patient Access Policy Skills Essential Ability to communicate across a variety of platforms Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workloads. Able to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues from a variety of professional and organisational backgrounds. Desirable Proven ability to train others of varying abilities Knowledge of University Hospital Sussex Trust IT systems People Management and Development Essential Effective leadership skills with the ability to manage and direct people Desirable Experience of undertaking performance and development reviews Experience of working with teams across sites Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues. Person Specification Experience/ Qualifications Essential NHS experience Desirable Working knowledge and expertise of Careflow Knowledge of Patient Access Policy Skills Essential Ability to communicate across a variety of platforms Ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workloads. Able to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues from a variety of professional and organisational backgrounds. Desirable Proven ability to train others of varying abilities Knowledge of University Hospital Sussex Trust IT systems People Management and Development Essential Effective leadership skills with the ability to manage and direct people Desirable Experience of undertaking performance and development reviews Experience of working with teams across sites Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address Royal Sussex County Hospita Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)