University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Clerical Officer

The closing date is 30 October 2025

Job summary

To provide a receptionist support in Trauma, Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Outpatients and Fracture Clinic.

Main duties of the job

This post is part of a professional team working in the Trauma, Orthopaedic and Rheumatology outpatient department. The key responsibility of this role is the efficient and accurate administration and reception cover for the Outpatient clinics, with strict adherence and compliance to the Referral to Treatment (RTT) Access

Policy and Administrative Procedure Notes (APN's)

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

16 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year £23,615 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-DH-S7502149

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust. The post holder would be trained on the job through a combination of instruction and practice and by attending Patient Case note, Information Governance and iPM training

To ensure that a clear understanding is obtained surrounding data quality and data protection, and be able to work to this guidance

To ensure that a firm understanding is obtained of all administration processes and APNs and be able to work to this level

To compile and sort patient clinic attendance sheets and be responsible for checking that the clinic notes have been received into Reception

To receive and welcome patients and relatives to the department and direct to the waiting area

To ensure the In Touch system is kept up to date for when patients arrive using the Self Check In kiosks and encourage patients to use the Self Check In kiosk

To ensure the patients details are up to date on both the computer system and update front sheets and labels of the Health Record folder, as necessary

To admit and discharge patients who are attending for minor operations, adding the appropriate procedure code where necessary

To ensure that patients not eligible for free NHS treatment complete the appropriate process, e.g. overseas visitors

To endeavour to accommodate follow up patients who arrive without an appointment and request to be seen, once agreed with nurses/clinician. If the patient has not been referred into the hospital, to advise patient to see their GP

To add patients to the follow up waiting list if an e-outcome waiting list hasnt been generated

In compliance with the Access Policy for Planned Care Services, ensure all follow up appointments and follow up waiting list entries have the relevant RTT code added to iPM

To record the appointment outcome onto iPM system within 24 hours of appointment, and input procedure code for the procedure that has taken place during the patients consultation, where appropriate

To make appointments within six weeks according to the clinicians requirements and booking rules

To refresh iPM Day Clinic View regularly to identify any missing outcomes. This needs to be completed several times a session to ensure each clinic is cashed up

To chase up any DNA/Outcome forms during each session, to ensure that data is recorded on iPM correctly in accordance with the Access Policy for Planned Care Services

To deal with telephone and verbal enquiries from patients, relatives, clinicians, other departments and GP Practices in a courteous manner, seeking advice when required

To assist patients with any queries relating to patient hospital transport

To promote the Friends and Family survey to patients

To ensure that any loose documents are filed in the appropriate section of patient case notes, and to tidy and repair any damaged patient case notes if necessary

To trace patient case notes in and out of the department

To manage patients notes within the department, transferring notes from Boxes to trolleys for Clinics and back again.

To ensure that an individual performance review is obtained from the supervising manager on an annual basis

To assist in informal training by showing other members of staff, NVQs and NHSP staff, the job as requested

Provide support to other Outpatient Reception areas within the Trauma, Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Service Line in the event of sickness, annual leave or vacancies, staffing levels permitting

To provide administrative support alongside the nursing team when the needs of the service requires this

The post holder would have direct patient contact and therefore may come into contact with unpleasant working conditions, due to patients being ill or injured. The post holder would also need empathy and tact to deal with patients who may be anxious, angry or upset

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

To be polite, understanding and courteous when dealing with patients. To ensure patient is kept fully informed of any issues affecting their clinic appointment.

To ensure that a good relationship is maintained with all departments throughout the hospital, in particular that a close working relationship is maintained with clinicians, nursing, and prepping and appointments staff.

To work collaboratively within a team.

Reception hours are between 0800-1800, therefore there is a requirement that you are able to work between these times. In addition to this there may be potential for your shifts to be spread over 7 working days in the future.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Matters of a confidential nature with which your work brings you into contact, particularly information relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of patients individual staff records, information regarding contracts, tenders etc. may not be divulged without the authority to do so, disciplinary action will be taken for any breach of confidentiality.

All Job Holders are required to:

  • Work to the Trust values - Put people first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.

  • Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.

  • Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.

  • Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.

  • Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating

  • Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.

  • Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.

  • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.

  • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.

  • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

  • Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.

  • Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.

Note

This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Job description

Job responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • to their employment and other members of staff. All members of staff are required to comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

Comply with the Corporate Governance structure in keeping with the principles and standards set out by the Trust. The post holder would be trained on the job through a combination of instruction and practice and by attending Patient Case note, Information Governance and iPM training

To ensure that a clear understanding is obtained surrounding data quality and data protection, and be able to work to this guidance

To ensure that a firm understanding is obtained of all administration processes and APNs and be able to work to this level

To compile and sort patient clinic attendance sheets and be responsible for checking that the clinic notes have been received into Reception

To receive and welcome patients and relatives to the department and direct to the waiting area

To ensure the In Touch system is kept up to date for when patients arrive using the Self Check In kiosks and encourage patients to use the Self Check In kiosk

To ensure the patients details are up to date on both the computer system and update front sheets and labels of the Health Record folder, as necessary

To admit and discharge patients who are attending for minor operations, adding the appropriate procedure code where necessary

To ensure that patients not eligible for free NHS treatment complete the appropriate process, e.g. overseas visitors

To endeavour to accommodate follow up patients who arrive without an appointment and request to be seen, once agreed with nurses/clinician. If the patient has not been referred into the hospital, to advise patient to see their GP

To add patients to the follow up waiting list if an e-outcome waiting list hasnt been generated

In compliance with the Access Policy for Planned Care Services, ensure all follow up appointments and follow up waiting list entries have the relevant RTT code added to iPM

To record the appointment outcome onto iPM system within 24 hours of appointment, and input procedure code for the procedure that has taken place during the patients consultation, where appropriate

To make appointments within six weeks according to the clinicians requirements and booking rules

To refresh iPM Day Clinic View regularly to identify any missing outcomes. This needs to be completed several times a session to ensure each clinic is cashed up

To chase up any DNA/Outcome forms during each session, to ensure that data is recorded on iPM correctly in accordance with the Access Policy for Planned Care Services

To deal with telephone and verbal enquiries from patients, relatives, clinicians, other departments and GP Practices in a courteous manner, seeking advice when required

To assist patients with any queries relating to patient hospital transport

To promote the Friends and Family survey to patients

To ensure that any loose documents are filed in the appropriate section of patient case notes, and to tidy and repair any damaged patient case notes if necessary

To trace patient case notes in and out of the department

To manage patients notes within the department, transferring notes from Boxes to trolleys for Clinics and back again.

To ensure that an individual performance review is obtained from the supervising manager on an annual basis

To assist in informal training by showing other members of staff, NVQs and NHSP staff, the job as requested

Provide support to other Outpatient Reception areas within the Trauma, Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Service Line in the event of sickness, annual leave or vacancies, staffing levels permitting

To provide administrative support alongside the nursing team when the needs of the service requires this

The post holder would have direct patient contact and therefore may come into contact with unpleasant working conditions, due to patients being ill or injured. The post holder would also need empathy and tact to deal with patients who may be anxious, angry or upset

COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

To be polite, understanding and courteous when dealing with patients. To ensure patient is kept fully informed of any issues affecting their clinic appointment.

To ensure that a good relationship is maintained with all departments throughout the hospital, in particular that a close working relationship is maintained with clinicians, nursing, and prepping and appointments staff.

To work collaboratively within a team.

Reception hours are between 0800-1800, therefore there is a requirement that you are able to work between these times. In addition to this there may be potential for your shifts to be spread over 7 working days in the future.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Matters of a confidential nature with which your work brings you into contact, particularly information relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of patients individual staff records, information regarding contracts, tenders etc. may not be divulged without the authority to do so, disciplinary action will be taken for any breach of confidentiality.

All Job Holders are required to:

  • Work to the Trust values - Put people first, Take ownership, Respect others, Be positive, Listen, learn and improve.

  • Adhere to Trust policies and procedures, e.g. Health and Safety at Work, Equal Opportunities etc.

  • Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff development and training.

  • Attend statutory, essential and mandatory training.

  • Respect the confidentiality of all matters relating

  • Comply with the codes of professional conduct set out by the professional body of which registration is required for the post.

  • Ensure they are familiar with the Risk Management Framework, follow policies, procedures and safe systems of work, make known any hazards or risks that they identify and take all necessary actions to reduce risk.

  • Ensure the welfare and safety of children within their care. This includes staff who come into contact with children and families in the course of their work as well as those staff who have a specific role with children and families.

  • Ensure they attend Child Protection training at the appropriate level within the specified time frame.

  • Staff must comply with Safeguarding Policies and Procedures in order to promote safeguarding and prevent abuse to vulnerable people using Trust services.

  • Maintain the prevention and control of infection and fully comply with all current Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.

  • Take responsibility for any records that they create or use in the course of their duties, in line with the Public Records Act and be aware that any records created by an employee of the NHS are public records and may be subject to both legal and professional obligations.

Note

This job description is neither definitive nor exhaustive and is not intended to be totally comprehensive. It may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. This job description is to be read in conjunction with all current Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust policies, procedures & guidelines.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE grade C/4 and above/equivalent qualification or demonstrable experience in an administrative role
  • Computer literate
  • Keyboard skills

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience of administration systems within a large clinical setting

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Ability to undertake training competencies relative to the role
  • Demonstrable experience working with the general public

Desirable

  • Previous demonstrable experience in a clinical setting

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Good telephone manner
  • Organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own work
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE grade C/4 and above/equivalent qualification or demonstrable experience in an administrative role
  • Computer literate
  • Keyboard skills

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience of administration systems within a large clinical setting

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Ability to undertake training competencies relative to the role
  • Demonstrable experience working with the general public

Desirable

  • Previous demonstrable experience in a clinical setting

APTITUDE & ABILITIES

Essential

  • Good communication skills both written and verbal
  • Good telephone manner
  • Organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own work

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior Sister

Sally Fletcher

sallyfletcher3@nhs.net

0175231507

Details

Date posted

16 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£23,615 a year £23,615 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-DH-S7502149

Job locations

University Hospitals Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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