KEY DUTIES Typing clinical and non-clinical correspondence and reports including the transcription and management of audio sources (eg, digital / tapes) using initiative in managing and prioritising workload. To act as first point of contact for patients, GPs, external organisations and members of the general public seeking information and support from the hospital. The post holder must be able to triage the calls appropriately as well as deal sympathetically with people who may be bereaved, distressed or angry using tact, persuasion and discretion, assessing priorities and initiating action as required. Answer telephone queries and provide non-clinical advice regarding patient care and appointments/admissions to patients, Trust staff, referring GPs and Consultants, making appropriate judgement using acquired knowledge and experience. Communicate with patients/parents regarding personal and highly sensitive information. Compose routine and non-routine letters and produce typed clinical correspondence including the transcription of audio dictation. Access the computerised Patient Administration System (Medway) for relevant patient details, updating records and registering patients as required. Maintain and update specialty-specific databases. Take action as necessary in respect of all patients who fail to attend in accordance with the Trusts policy and the consultants special instructions. Ensure the timely despatch of all relevant information to GPs, other medical staff and external organisations in relation to the locally agreed requirements. To evaluate and re-prioritise own workload in accordance with competing demands from patients, medical staff, and others. Prioritise work to ensure that medical staff are provided with necessary information to take appropriate clinical action. Liaise with the Cancer Services Department of patients to be discussed at the Multidisciplinary Team Meetings. In conjunction with the support medical secretary/ies and clerical officer(s) within the department ensure that administrative duties are allocated and completed in a timely manner and distribution of workload is done to utilise the resources and support available. Ensure that all investigation results are shown to the relevant clinicians in a timely manner and make arrangements for any follow up actions required eg urgent appointments. Where applicable ensure waiting time performance targets are achieved. Type theatre lists and distribute as required. Co-operate in the introduction of new technology as it may apply. Be instrumental in preventing complaints from service users, resolving informal complaints, and supporting the formal complaints process. In line with the Trusts standing financial instructions, handle cash/cheques for the Consultants and teams, patients, and other external sources. Provide full secretarial support with respect to teaching/meetings as directed by medical staff, e.g. preparing PowerPoint presentations using clinical data and information via the internet. Maintain database of clinical activity as required to assist in clinical audit. Attend, take and transcribe minutes for ad hoc meetings as required within the Divisions and implement any follow up action points. Provide guidance to the support medical secretaries and clerical officer(s) and self-supervision in terms of, liaising with other medical secretaries in the department to ensure an efficient service. When necessary, exercise initiative to allocate work to the support medical secretaries and clerical officer(s) in a fair and reasonable manner. Make economical use of supplies. When necessary, maintain control of stock including stationery supplies. Deputise for others and provide cross cover within the team during absences. Working independently, plan and prioritise own workload following appropriate Trust and Medical Secretary policies and processes, suggesting improvements where necessary. Private work may be undertaken by individual arrangement with Medical Staff but should not be done during NHS working hours and must be declared to the Medical Secretary Supervisor.