Job overview
If you have highly efficient secretarial and organisational skills, an opportunity has arisen for a medical secretary position within the Colorectal and Lower GI service at Worthing hospital. This varied role provides support to Colorectal and Lower GI consultant surgeons and multidisciplinary clinical team
We are looking for an individual who has the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, patients and the clinical staff
Previous secretarial/administration experience and typing skills are desirable, as are knowledge of the hospital environment and medical terminology
Our ideal candidate will be flexible and adaptable and willing to work as part of our busy but supportive team
If you think you have the qualities to fill this post, then please apply.
Training and support will be given to the successful candidate
There is one part time post available, on a fixed term or secondment basis to cover a 12-month maternity leave. Successful candidates will work at Worthing Hospital
Main duties of the job
To work as part of the administration team to provide accurate and efficient secretarial support for the General Surgery services
Your role will involve working for a busy team supporting the Colorectal and Lower GI service at Worthing hospital. It is a wide and varied role with tasks including liaising with patients, GP practices and consultants If you enjoy being a team player this post offers variety and the opportunity to play a key role in supporting the team with the efficient running of the directorate
Specific duties include:
1. Proofing of clinic letters and typing correspondence from audio dictation
2. Amending departmental proformas as requested by clinician/coordinator
3. Processing of consultant clinics, ensuring outcomes are complete on CareFlow and requested investigations recorded on database
4. Maintain database for patients pending investigations and chasing results, liaise with clinicians regarding outcomes and actions
5. Proficient use of MS Excel for preparing reports, analysing statistical information and maintaining finance spreadsheet for inpatient activity
6. Responsible for taking and transcribing minutes at departmental meetings, as requested
7. Typing of admin and any complex, urgent or specialist work e.g. investigating complaints
8. Manage and prioritise own workload to be able to work independently
9. To act as the first point of contact for all forms of communication with clinicians
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. 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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description for full details of the responsibilities of the medical secretary role
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Person specification
Skills
Essential criteria
10. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
11. Ability to work to deadlines and meet conflicting demands
12. Excellent knowledge of a full range of secretarial procedures and office duties
13. Excellent attention to detail
14. Excellent organisational skills
15. Excellent knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel
16. Experience of minute taking
Desirable criteria
17. Previous NHS Medical Secretary experience
18. Knowledge of Patient Information System (PAS)
19. Managing challenging behaviour
20. Experience of audio typing
Qualifications
Essential criteria
21. Educated to GCSE level with A-C Maths and English
Desirable criteria
22. An appropriate qualification in word processing or typing, for example RSA III or equivalent AMSPAR diploma
People management and development
Essential criteria
23. Able to maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Data Protection Act
24. Coordinating and working as part of a cohesive team
25. Positive contribution to change to enhance the patient pathway experience and outcome
26. Ability to work independently
27. Ability to use own judgement/initiative and problem solve
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
28. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
29. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
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 Immigrations 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