Job overview
**Internal Applicants Only**
We are looking for a self-motivated individual who is both flexible and versatile in their approach to work to join our excellent and friendly admin team. You must be able to work well under pressure and in challenging conditions. You will be a strong team player with good interpersonal skills who can also work without close supervision. You will possess a positive attitude and be constructive toward change.
You must have excellent keyboard skills, adaptability and a capacity for processing information quickly and accurately. You must also be willing to show a commitment to the ever changing demands of the NHS.
The post involves constant communication with Patient Access Manager, Patients, Radiographers, Radiologists and colleagues to maintain an efficient and smooth running appointment booking service. You will need to be very organised, professional and assertive.
You will be responsible for booking patient appointments and discussing procedures and preparations, maintaining accurate data entry on the radiology computer system and patient administration system and answering and fielding phone calls from patients and staff.
Previous applicants for Patient Access Administrator need not apply.
Main duties of the job
The role of a Patient Access Administrator is to provide an efficient and high quality appointment and administration service within the Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Department. To utilise excellent time management, organisational and communication skills and an adaptable, flexible approach to produce work of a high standard within expected targets. The Patient Access Administrator will not only need to be able to work alone and use their own initiative but also as part of a large team of admin staff across the Imaging Department.
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
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.
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.
Role Summary
The role of a Patient Access Administrator is to provide an efficient and high quality appointment, reception and administration service within the Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Department. To utilise excellent time management, organisational and communication skills and an adaptable, flexible approach to produce work of a high standard within expected targets. The Patient Access Administrator will not only need to be able to work alone and use their own initiative but also as part of a large team of admin staff across the Imaging Department at Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust. The Patient Access Administrator must ensure patients are accurately registered and processed on the Radiology Information System (CRIS) and Patient Administration System (Careflow) and have the ability to book and schedule appointments on CRIS
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Communication
·Answer complex enquiries on the telephone, from people who may have varying levels of ability to understand or whose first language is not English.
·Provide and receive complicated and sensitive information, and give explanations and instructions clearly and concisely where barriers to communication may exist, including challenging behaviour, learning disability and recent bereavement.
·Use empathy, tact and diplomacy in dealing with staff members or patients who may be hostile or antagonistic.
·Answer internal and external telephone enquires in an efficient manner, from other members of staff, other departments, patients/relatives, GPs and other hospitals.
Service Delivery and Improvement
Administration duties
·Ensure accurate input of patient and referral details when registering on the Radiology Information System (CRIS). Interpret medical terminology, anatomical and physiological terms and code the form accordingly requiring high levels of concentration.
· Ensure the referral form is scanned on the appropriate patient entry on the Radiology Information System.
· Ensure accurate input of patient details when registering on the Patient Administration System (Careflow).
·Organise and prioritise own workload to ensure all problems and queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently in a pleasant and courteous manner.
·Support the Patient Access Manager with induction and orientation of new staff. Provide training in departmental procedures and give daily supervision as required. Offer support and advice to inspire confidence.
·Support the Service Improvement program including QSI (Quality Standard for Imaging) taking active participation in data collection, process mapping and meetings as required. To regularly review the service provided, ensuring it is both appropriate and of a high quality. Adopt and implement agreed service development in line with Directorate and Trust objectives.
·Work in close conjunction with the Patient Access Manager to review working practices, identify and propose new improved ways of working and find solutions to problems.
·Monitor and maintain appropriate levels of stationery informing the Patient Access Manager of any potential problems in a timely manner.
·Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times and adherence to Caldicott and the Data Protection Act. Full accurate records of relevant information are documented.
·Any other duties commensurate with the grade of this post including adherence to appropriate Trust policies
Patient Access Administrator Duties
·Using specialised knowledge of radiographic procedures and systems, schedule and book appointments on Radiology Information System (CRIS) and distribute the examination literature to patients for all Imaging modalities (Computerised Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, fluoroscopy, plain film). You must consider at all times any specific requirements that the patientmay have and adjust the preparation accordingly.
·Maintain and monitor an accurate electronic three-tier system (request, waiting and partial booking) so that appointments are made in line with priority and local targets.
·Advise the Patient Access Manager or Admin Team Leaders if there are any problems with waiting times and booking patient appointmentswithin localtargets.
·Have the ability to exchange information regarding appointments and procedures when dealing with telephone enquiries from patients and staff. Use specific knowledge of the procedures and preparations to clearly and concisely explain them to patients and staff. Have the appropriate information to explain waiting list times.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. At least 5 GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent, including English and Maths.
2. Experience in a customer service role
Desirable criteria
3. Experience within an nhs administration role
4. Able to work in a pressurised environment
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
5. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
6. 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