Ward Clerk - Acute Medical Unit

Job overview

An exciting opportunity had arisen within the acute medical unit, providing a range of administrative and clerical support as delegated by the medical and nursing team. The department provides care for patients referred by A&E and GP. The role is varied, fast paced and challenging, and applicants will need to demonstrate good team working and an ability to work independently.

The post holders' main focus will be working within the reception area to support the clinical team with the management of the flow within the department, ensuring patients are checked in and transferred out. The post holder will order stock for the ward, and assist the team to keep the unit area clean and tidy.

We are looking to appoint a self-motivated, enthusiastic person who is able to work as part of our busy unit.

This is a busy role so you must be confident, have the ability to deal with inquires and possess good interpersonal and communication skills with an excellent telephone manner.

If you possess excellent communication, organisational and IT skills, work well in a team & can meet deadlines successfully this position could be for you.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Ward Clerk role is multi-faceted. The Ward Clerk provides support to the team and the unit manager in clerical duties, the daily running of the department and ensures that all support facilities are in place.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Answering any telephone enquiries in a polite and efficient manner.

Filing results in patient files.

Ordering patient files and notes.

Ensuring that all patients have up to date VTE forms.

Maintaining up to date information on the Trusts computer systems (e.g. Healthroster, Lorenzo and Digit).

Liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, such as secretaries, social services etc.

Requesting and obtaining patient records and x-rays.

Booking patient transport as required.

Booking and rescheduling patient appointments when required.

Direct admissions to the ward.

Photocopying, scanning and faxing documents as required.

Provide clerical support to the Nurse in Charge.

Deliver referrals to the relevant departments.

Make any relevant follow up appointments for patients.

Assist with keeping the area clean and tidy.

Log any maintenance work as when required.

Demonstrates own work duties to new starters.

Service Improvement and Audit

To carry out ward based audits of aspects of patient care that relate to the role of ward administrator e.g. booking of procedures and outpatient follow up in order to improve the service provided to patients.

To provide clerical support to the nursing staff on the ward for audits that they carry out.

Housekeeping Duties

To order stationary and general supplies to ensure the ward area is adequately covered.

To ensure the nursing station/ward clerk area are kept generally tidy.

Communications and Working Relationships

To communicate with others in a polite and courteous manner at all times.

The post-holder will be expected to communicate with medical and nursing staff and also with patients, relatives, carers and other members of the public.

The post holder should maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

The post holder will be expected to act in accordance with all Trust policies and procedures at all times.

Qualifications

Essential

• Must have basic literacy and numeracy skills
• Can provide evidence of basic computer and keyboard skills

Desirable

• Must have knowledge of the patient admin system (Lorenzo)
• 4 GCSE's or equivalent
• Level 2 NVQ or equivalent level qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of customer service

Desirable

• Previous ward clerk experience

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrates an understanding of confidentiality
• Able to communicate clearly; both in writing and verbally
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills - able to work as a team
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of good-housekeeping in health care
• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of quality in health care
• Able to organise own work plan

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Responsible and reliable
• Demonstrates compassion when assisting patients, relatives & carers
• Demonstrates ability to be co-operative and flexible
• Demonstrates initiative in difficult situations
• Demonstrates recognition of own/role limitations

Other

Essential

• Demonstrates a commitment to personal development
• Demonstrates understanding of flexibility in order to meet service requirements
• Some light physical effort may be required for carrying e.g. patient notes
• There may be some occasional exposure to emotional situations