Job overview
Are you an experienced NHS administrative leader with a passion for improving patient pathways and delivering excellent cancer services? We are looking for a proactive, skilled and compassionate Patient Access Manager for Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapies (SACT) services—a pivotal role at the heart of our Cancer Directorate.
At UHSussex, our vision is simple: Excellent Care Everywhere. As part of our SACT Operational Management team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive timely, safe and high‑quality access to SACT across all Trust sites.
We’re looking for someone who is:
1. An experienced NHS administrative manager with strong understanding of patient access, clinical pathways, cancer waiting times and booking systems.
2. Skilled in leading and motivating administrative teams in busy, high‑pressure environments.
3. Confident in analysing complex data, identifying risks, and implementing solutions.
4. Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage conflicting priorities.
5. An excellent communicator who can build strong relationships with clinical and non‑clinical teams.
6. Proficient with PAS and Microsoft Office; experience with Chemocare or SACT scheduling is desirable.
The post holder will be based primarily at Worthing Hospital required to work across all sites including Chichester, Brighton & Haywards Heath. This is an influential role where your leadership directly supports timely patient care and excellent patient experience across our SACT units.
Main duties of the job
As the Patient Access Manager (SACT), you will:
7. Lead and develop administrative teams responsible for patient access, reception, scheduling, ward administration and SACT booking services.
8. Ensure smooth, efficient patient flow by managing treatment waiting lists, templates and schedules across PAS, Chemocare and other electronic systems.
9. Proactively monitor capacity and demand, identifying potential delays and working closely with clinical teams to resolve issues.
10. Oversee all administrative functions including rota planning, performance management, recruitment, appraisals and staff development.
11. Work collaboratively with Matrons, Operational Managers, schedulers, reception teams, clinicians and pharmacy colleagues to support delivery of cancer waiting time standards.
12. Support continuous service improvement through data analysis, policy development, pathway refinement and effective communication across the Directorate.
13. Act as the key point of contact for complex booking queries, complaints, pathway issues and performance risks.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Person specification
Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
14. Detailed knowledge of the NHS, acquired through diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge and experience
15. Extensive knowledge of managing NHS administration, waiting lists, patient booking systems and processes
16. Extensive knowledge of national and local policies and targets relating to patient access, waiting times, booking and choice.
17. Able to independently develop standards, guidance, policies and procedures.
18. An excellent communicator with experience of managing administrative teams within a NHS setting with the ability to motivate, delegate, manage and direct people in a busy high pressure environment
19. Highly organised and IT literate, with the ability to analyse, interpret and compare complex statistical data, note trends and take appropriate action
Desirable criteria
20. Experience of SACT services, scheduling, PAS and Chemocare
Qualifciations
Essential criteria
21. Degree/Diploma in Business Administration or equivalent experience
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
22. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
23. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
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