Overview
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust staff pride themselves on not only clinical excellence but also creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. The Trust has embarked on a strategy focused on continuous improvement. Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare through partnership and innovation. Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviours. We welcome applications from colleagues from local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, including those who are currently under-represented such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and disabled applicants. Flexible working and work‑life balance are being explored as part of our recruitment process to support inclusion and positive working practices. We promote inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums and the use of Trust facilities and services for mutual benefit.
Responsibilities
1. To provide a comprehensive secretarial service to the consultants as part of the secretarial team, managing a busy workload and shifting priorities.
2. To deal with enquiries from patients, relatives, GP practices and hospital staff in an effective, timely and sensitive manner, answering queries and resolving problems while ensuring patient confidentiality at all times.
3. To type clinic letters, referrals and other correspondence using digital dictation, prioritising urgent and Fast Track correspondence while maintaining awareness of Trust targets for outpatient letters.
4. To participate with the team in administering the Email Advice service, including logging activity within time limits and accurately recording clinical advice on the electronic patient record.
Candidate information and requirements
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence and values. An applicant guide is available to help and support you through the recruitment journey. If you have a disability that meets the Equality Act 2010 definition and you meet the essential criteria, please answer YES to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme question and inform the team of any special support needs for interview and selection.
The Trust offers a Guaranteed Interview Scheme to armed forces community applicants who meet the essential criteria. If a DBS is required, applicants may enrol in the DBS Update Service; a small annual fee applies and will be deducted from salary over the first three months. New entrants to the NHS commence on the minimum of the stated scale.
Applicants requiring sponsorship should assess themselves against the gov.uk criteria for UK visas. The Trust will not sponsor where the starting salary does not meet immigration rules. We encourage early application; if a large number of applications are received, the vacancy may close before the advertised date.
Disclosure and Barring Service checks: if required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and related orders, a DBS submission may be necessary to check for previous convictions. Omitted or incorrect DBS information can lead to withdrawal of applications. If errors are identified, a new application may be required with a new DBS fee. The DBS cost will be deducted from salary over the first three months of employment.
Certificate of Sponsorship: applications from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship will be considered alongside others. For visa details, refer to GOV.UK guidance on Skilled Worker sponsorship and immigration requirements. Overseas candidates are responsible for their travel expenses.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants for entry clearance into the UK may be required to present a criminal record certificate from each country where they resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Skills and qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to provide a high standard of audio typing and clerical support. The successful candidate must be able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team. Excellent communication and administrative skills, accuracy and attention to detail are essential. Strong organisational skills are required. Consultant diaries and related clinical activity must be kept up to date to ensure the service runs smoothly. A working knowledge of general office procedures and Microsoft packages is required; training will be provided in Medisec and EPR+ software. Knowledge of medical terminology is advantageous.
Additional information
* Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.
* The Trust employs 5,964 staff (headcount) to provide care to over 400,000 people in Chester and West Cheshire, including Ellesmere Port and Neston, and some areas of Wales.
* The Trust works with the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System and closely with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board due to border location.
* During 2024/2025 there were approximately 643,000 patient attendances (inpatient, A&E, outpatient and diagnostic).
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