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Job overview
The Medical Secretary provides a comprehensive, efficient and high-quality secretarial and administrative service to clinical teams and speciality services. The post holder acts as a key point of contact for patients, relatives, carers, GPs and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective communication and the timely production of accurate clinical correspondence. The role supports the effective management of patient pathways, including Referral to Treatment (RTT) standards, partial booking waiting list administration, results tracking and clinic outcomes. The post holder is responsible for maintaining accurate patient records, prioritising workload to meet service demands, contributing to the delivery of a responsive and patient-focused service. Working independently and as part of a wider administrative team, the post holder will demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and customer service skills whilst maintaining confidentiality, supporting continuous improvement and always upholding the Trust’s values.
This is a maternity fixed term for the Orthopaedic Department
Interviews to take place on Wednesday 12th August
Main duties of the job
- To support the Senior Medical Secretaries on a day-to-day basis with admin, typing of letters and overseeing of basic tasks
- To liaise with and act as a point of contact for clinical and non-clinical staff via telephone and email
- To act as a point of contact for patients, relatives and carers. The post holder should be polite and empathetic to the patient’s needs at all times and be able to communicate effectively when dealing with difficult situations/conversations
- Returning calls promptly and keeping callers updated with information in an effective and efficient way
- Escalate patient queries, capacity problems and general issues to the role’s line manager or relevant clinical staff as appropriate
- To show a caring and professional approach towards patients, relatives and carers. This may require acting with resilience to deal with sometimes distressed patients and relatives in a professional and empathetic manner
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We would welcome applications from those who meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification. This includes having a qualification (pass or distinction) in audio transcription, word processing or have relevant experience.
For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous admin or secretarial role
- Experience dealing with members of the public by telephone and in person
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience of clinical correspondence or digital dictation systems
- Experience supporting patient pathways and waiting list management
Personal qualities
Essential
- Professional and patient-focused approach
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Commitment to confidentiality and data security
- Demonstrates Trust values
Educations and Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE, grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Maths
- Business and Administration Level 3 NVQ or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Audio typing or medical secretary qualification
- Proofreading qualification or evidence of advanced keyboard skills
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy
- Confidence to handle difficult conversations with patients, relatives and carers
- Ability to handle difficult conversations professionally and sensitively
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
- Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines
- Attention to detail
Desirable
- Understanding of RTT pathways and NHS performance targets
- Knowledge of NHS systems and processes
- Understanding of medical terminology
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Medical Secretary with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust in Bristol, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pa pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Post starting October 2026). The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (21 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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