Emergency Floor Ward Clerk
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) – Closing date: 08 May 2026
The Ward Clerk plays a vital role in supporting the smooth and efficient operation of the Emergency Floor at Worthing Hospital. As the first point of contact for patients, visitors, and staff, the postholder provides high‑quality clerical, administrative, and reception support that underpins safe, compassionate, and timely patient care.
Working under the direction of senior colleagues, the Ward Clerk ensures that patient information is accurate and accessible, case notes are managed effectively, appointments are booked in line with Trust and national standards and communication across the multidisciplinary team is clear and efficient. The role also supports patient flow by coordinating key administrative processes, managing records on Trust systems, and assisting with discharge preparations.
Responsibilities
* Greet and direct patients, visitors, and staff in a professional manner.
* Answer telephone calls promptly, provide non‑clinical information and relays messages to the appropriate team members.
* Handle difficult or sensitive situations calmly and respectfully.
* Liaise with GP surgeries and external agencies to gather patient information.
* Support staff and patients by arranging referral and clinic appointments.
* Prioritise and manage daily clerical tasks to support smooth ward operations.
* Prepare, organise, and maintain patient case notes ensuring they are available for admissions and ward attenders.
* Input and update patient information accurately on hospital systems (e.g. Sema Helix, PAS, Evolve, Safer Care).
* Assist with patient discharge processes, including printing summaries, booking transport and organising documentation.
* Maintain adequate ward supplies and order equipment as required.
* Support outpatient appointment scheduling in line with Trust procedures and national targets.
* Contribute to staff rostering and workforce planning using e‑rostering processes.
* Demonstrate tasks to other staff when needed and work independently with minimal supervision.
* Provide basic non‑clinical assistance to patients such as refreshments or information about ward routines.
* Support bereaved relatives sensitively and provide bereavement information when appropriate.
* Act as fire warden when trained.
* Participate in mandatory training and personal development activities.
* Engage in appraisal processes and identify areas for ongoing learning.
Qualifications and Experience
* Clerical and administrative experience.
* Numeracy and literacy skill.
* Knowledge of medical terminology.
* Experience dealing with people face‑to‑face or on the telephone.
* Understanding of the ward clerk role based on the JD.
* Previous NHS experience.
Skills and Competence
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent telephone manner.
* Ability to negotiate with patients (e.g., appointment booking).
* Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding.
* Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting workloads.
* IT literacy (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet).
* Experience using hospital systems (e.g., PAS, Evolve, Sema Helix).
Personal Qualities & Behaviours
* Ability to communicate with staff at all levels.
* Flexible, resilient attitude and able to work independently.
* Commitment to safeguarding adults and children.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
£25,760 to £27,476 a year, pro rata
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