Assistant or Associate Practitioner

Job summary

Work as part of the clinical team and under supervision support the clinical pathways for our patients on DMARD and Biologics. Support with the implementation of and ongoing management of DAWN within Rheumatology. Manage the Infusion waiting list of Clinical Nurse Specialists at The Princess Alexandra Hospital, in accordance with Government Access standards and Trust's Patient Access Policy. Play a central role within these services and required to work in close liaison with NHS colleagues, patients and general public. Exercise initiative and use independent judgment and analysis to book patients on Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) and biologic drug therapy (Biologics) dependent on their clinical needs and agreed template case mix. Track patients in order of clinical urgency. Responsible for decision-making with situations arising from the duties described below to ensure an effective, high quality service for patients. To be responsible for the addition, removal from waiting list, and recording of all relevant patient information to and from the waiting list. This may be in response to a clinician/patient request, or as judged appropriate by the post holder in order to comply with PAH's access policy. Monitor the Lists on a daily basis to ensure Government Access standards are not breached and take appropriate action to resolve any capacity issues or escalate appropriately where there are unresolved capacity issues.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the provision of the Rheumatology service in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. Analyse the information within the system providing themes, trends and capacity gaps to support in service decisions and allocations. To attend department meetings providing written and verbal updates based on system data . To oversee the DAWN system applying clinical judgement to escalate patients that need priority review.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

• Date posted: 25 September 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 4
• Salary: £28,392 to £31,157 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 001150
• Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Main duties of the job

• Apply clinical criteria to the management of our DMARD and Biologic patients.
• Responsible for booking of DMARD and Biologic patients requiring clinician review or infusions.
• Oversee the end to end pathway, using the system to inform, for our patients on DMARDs and Biologics.
• Use Alex Health as required to progress pathways for patients including creating encounters.
• To work with the wider clinical team to progress prescriptions and medication for patients.
• Complete, where required, weight and BP checks for the patients as part of their clinical pathway.
• Named contact point, liaising with patients and relatives, as well as medical representatives, GPs/other hospitals, nursing staff, Rheumatology team and support services to ensure that appointments are appropriately planned and managed. This can be face-to-face in clinics or over the telephone.
• To provide advice to patients in matters relating to their appointments, and with regard to their position on the waiting list.
• To deal with enquiries from all service users in a helpful, courteous and diplomatic manner.
• To ensure a high standard of Customer Service is provided at all times in relation to booking complex appointments with patients.
• Required to identify, resolve and pre-empt any situation that may result in a breach of access targets. Regularly analyze waiting list information to ensure compliance within national waiting time standards.
• To ensure all patient admission information is recorded on Alex Health / DAWN and CRIS in a timely manner so the same information is reflected on systems simultaneously.
• To work with all relevant members of Multi-disciplinary team to ensure that all available re lists/ clinics are utilized to maximum potential, including replacing short-notice cancellations and identification of vacant sessions that may be used by alternative Doctors/ Pharmacists, Clinical Nurse Specialists as required.
• Analysis of information regarding waiting lists and identify requirement for additional capacity and flag to relevant operational team / Chief Pharmacist/ CNS for Rheumatology in a timely manner to ensure that patients are treated within Access Policy and government waiting time standards.
• Responsible for ensuring information regarding patients' special needs and/or co morbidities are documented and communicated to relevant wards/departments i.e. Transport or stretcher patient.
• To communicate all changes to relevant personnel.