University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Pathology Clerical Officer (Patient Receptionist)

The closing date is 29 June 2025

Job summary

Pathology Clerical Officer (Patient Receptionist)

The Pathology Support Service at University Hospital Sussex is looking to recruit a confident and approachable Clerical Officer to support our Pathology Office & Patient Reception at St Richards Hospital.

Our front of house teams are often the first point of contact for patients visiting the Trust, creating an integral link between our service users and Pathology as the face of our organisation.

Using computer-based appointment systems is a fundamental aspect of the role so experience using Careflow, ICE, Winpath or any Patient/Customer Bookings IT systems would be highly desirable, as would someone who is adaptable to change with an desire for digital innovation and improvement.

This is a part time vacancy based at Worthing Hospital with the occasional requirement to provide cover St Richards Hospital in Chichester to meet the ongoing needs of the Pathology service. Both locations are connected with good public transport links, and a free minibus service between sites.

To maintain a reliable service for patients, flexibility is required between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday.

We are recruiting 1 position at 24 hours a week with a requirement to cover full days on Monday's and Friday's to maintain the needs of the service.

Main duties of the job

To provide essential clerical and administrative support to the Pathologyservice, whilst providing an exceptional "Patient First" experience forpatients attending the department for blood tests and appointments.To assist in the receipt of patient samples, the data entry of patient andspecimen details onto the Pathology IT systemRegular interaction and communication with Visitors, Patients &Relatives attending the Pathology Department as well as a closeworking relationship with Phlebotomists, Medical Laboratory Assistants,Biomedical Scientists and Managers within Blood Sciences.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Date posted

13 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

279-7263521-JUN25

Job locations

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Ensure that patients, visitors and contractors are greeted and assisted in a polite and courteous manner, in line with Trust expectations and Patient First best practice.

Confidently deal with patient, GP and hospital telephone enquiries, transferring them to the correct department if appropriate, or seeking advice from senior staff to resolve the situation.

Create, cancel and amend appointments directly on the Trusts IT systems, ensuring patients and staff are kept informed during the process.

Make suitable transport arrangements for patients if requested.

Support Pathology clinics by assisting in the preparation of patient notes, scheduling of clinic appointments and communication with patients via telephone and in writing.

Empathetically resolve verbal complaints received from patients in a kind and compassionate manner seeking appropriate guidance from senior management when required.

Communicate and work effectively with patients who may have physical or mental disabilities, or those who require additional support.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Ensure that patients, visitors and contractors are greeted and assisted in a polite and courteous manner, in line with Trust expectations and Patient First best practice.

Confidently deal with patient, GP and hospital telephone enquiries, transferring them to the correct department if appropriate, or seeking advice from senior staff to resolve the situation.

Create, cancel and amend appointments directly on the Trusts IT systems, ensuring patients and staff are kept informed during the process.

Make suitable transport arrangements for patients if requested.

Support Pathology clinics by assisting in the preparation of patient notes, scheduling of clinic appointments and communication with patients via telephone and in writing.

Empathetically resolve verbal complaints received from patients in a kind and compassionate manner seeking appropriate guidance from senior management when required.

Communicate and work effectively with patients who may have physical or mental disabilities, or those who require additional support.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above.
Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.

Desirable

Previous experience in Pathology or the NHS.
Experience using the Trusts PAS system (Careflow).
Knowledge of ICE, Winpath and Q-Pulse Laboratory systems.
Previous experience using patient appointment systems.

Personal Skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
Efficient time management skills and an ability to work to tight deadlines and departmental targets.

IT Skills

Essential

Full knowledge and competency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentially.

Desirable

Experience using patient or customer databases and appointment systems.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Person Specification

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Essential

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / level 5 or above.
Previous administration and clerical experience in a healthcare or customer service environment.

Desirable

Previous experience in Pathology or the NHS.
Experience using the Trusts PAS system (Careflow).
Knowledge of ICE, Winpath and Q-Pulse Laboratory systems.
Previous experience using patient appointment systems.

Personal Skills

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.
Efficient time management skills and an ability to work to tight deadlines and departmental targets.

IT Skills

Essential

Full knowledge and competency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentially.

Desirable

Experience using patient or customer databases and appointment systems.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to
Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Worthing Hospital

Lyndhurst Road

Worthing

BN11 2DH

Employer's website

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)