Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
This post is only open to internal applicants.
Main duties of the job
As part of the Central Validation team, the post-holders will use their advanced, expert knowledge of 18-week pathways to validate patient pathways to ensure accuracy in reporting and to ensure data quality issues are identified and corrected.
The post holders will be required to understand the causes of poor data quality and correctly interpret national and local guidance when using the functions of the Patient Administration System.
To review, assess, update and correct data in UHS systems relating to RTT pathways using advanced patient pathway skills.
To become an RTT champion and help to deliver relevant training to other teams, and to act as an expert in RTT pathways and processes.
Working for our organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
General Duties
To undertake a 6 to 12 month programme of training to build expert knowledge of RTT validation.
Once you have completed your training you will fulfil the following job description in full.
* The post holder will be responsible for detailed validation of patient pathways adhering to Referral to Treatment (RTT) rules and in accordance with National RTT guidelines and UHS access policy.
* To assess, analyse, interpret and adjust information recorded on the Trust’s patient information system, ensuring accuracy of data throughout a patient’s journey.
* To liaise with relevant staff to obtain information needed to appropriately validate pathways in accordance to 18 week RTT clock rules, ensure all information entered is accurately linked to an appropriate pathway.
* To action pathway errors appropriately in order to prevent patients from breaching the 18-week target.
* To support staff in their understanding and application of the 18 week pathway providing 1 to 1 training and mentoring and act as a point of contact on any RTT related queries
* Ensure the accurate and efficient validation of ‘open pathways’. This involves working with clinical staff, operational management teams, other validation staff, line manager and corporate information team.
* Pro-actively escalate potential breaches and other issues according to the department escalation guidelines.
* To maintain an accurate record of the number of pathways validated and ensure appropriate comments are entered next to each record to efficiently act as an audit trail.
* Plan and prioritise own workload with little supervision, responding to a fluctuating workload and using initiative to problem solve and know when to escalate issues
* To audit and confirm the accuracy of the RTT data. Report accuracy issues back to the user in a structured and informative way, enabling the users to improve their knowledge of the patient pathways and data entry on PAS.
* As part of the central validation team, provide cover for colleagues in times of annual leave or sickness absence to ensure continuity of work and also participate in induction and training of new team members.
* Work closely with the Outpatients Administration Centre to review working practices, identify new improved ways of working and find solutions to problems.
* To be involved in creating and updating SOPs and to recommend changes to policies and procedures to enhance department’s ability to provide optimum service.
* Assist in internal auditing and production of ad hoc reports
What We're Looking For
Keenness to learn
Able to demonstrate a flexible and ‘can-do’ attitude
Strong communication skills with the confidence to work with people across the organisation
The ability to comprehend complex rules around RTT and patient pathways
Showing us that you’re capable and willing to progress to Band 4
Ability to work in a changing environment.
Person specification
Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Essential criteria
* GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths, grades 4-9 (A*-C)
* A Level / NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration/Customer Care or relevant equivalent experience
* Capable of attaining knowledge of the full range of organisational policies and procedures relating to 18-week pathways
* Capable of attaining experience in the RTT validation process, acquired through training and relevant experience. Able to validate across a range of different specialties
* Willing to work towards applying the 18 week rules to different patient pathways across a wide spectrum of specialities.
* To work towards being an expert in the use of the Trust’s patient information systems
* Capable of building in depth experience of using full range of Trust IT systems and patient data systems and Level 3 PPW training
* Significant administrative experience including initiating and maintaining office systems.
* Demonstrable experience in dealing with sensitive and confidential information under GDPR
Desirable criteria
* Experience of training people / teams in national standards
Trust Values
Essential criteria
* Patients First
* Always Improving
* Working Together