Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

MDT Assistant

The closing date is 18 September 2025

Job summary

The post holder will be a member of the Cancer Team responsible for the administration of the out-patient pathway in line with national targets.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will assist in collecting Cancer Waiting Time (CWT) data for their nominated tumour site, with a particular focus on the 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). They will utilise the Trust's existing tracking and electronic recording systems to ensure that patients do not breach any current or future national targets. Working as part of the wider Cancer Services Team, the individual will support cross-cover arrangements during periods of annual or sickness leave, helping to maintain continuity of service across all site-specific tumour MDTs, as directed by the MDT Co-ordinators. They will also ensure all patient pathways are managed in line with government targets for outpatient services and the Choose & Book system. Accurate and timely data entry is essential, with the post holder responsible for maintaining the integrity of outpatient pathway data, identifying and correcting any discrepancies as necessary.

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-COR8201-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Book appointments in line with national guidelines.

  • Support the triage process and monitor the timeliness of the Consultants triage across all services.

  • Liaise with diagnostic services when booking Straight to Test (STT) Pathways.

  • Assist with the bounce back process for incomplete referrals.

  • Communicate with patients, colleagues, and internal/external contacts in a courteous, professional, and timely manner (via telephone, written correspondence, and face-to-face).

  • Assist in monitoring performance against agreed Waiting Time Targets for diagnosis and treatment for patients on a Cancer Pathway, as directed by the MDT Co-ordinators.

  • Support the MDT Co-ordinators in managing and tracking patients through every stage of the pathway to ensure diagnostic tests and treatments are completed within target timelines.

  • Develop an understanding of Cancer Waiting Time Targets (28/31/62-day standards).

  • Gain knowledge of patient pathways for assigned tumour sites.

  • Check outcomes for patients attending outpatient clinics under Two Week Wait referrals and support timely booking of required tests.

  • Liaise with Radiology and Outpatients Booking Teams to ensure efficient pathways for cancer patients.

  • Escalate potential breaches or delays in pathways to MDT Co-ordinators or, in their absence, the Cancer Services Manager.

  • Support the MDT Co-ordinators and clinical teams in:

    • Collating, validating, and entering patient information onto the Somerset Cancer Registry (daily).

    • Keeping waiting time information updated for monthly submissions to Open Exeter.

    • Collecting mandatory dataset items relevant to tumour-specific requirements.

    • Cross-covering and ensuring continuity of service across all MDTs.

    • Covering work during staff absence or annual leave, as appropriate.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the MDT Co-ordinators or Cancer Services Manager.

  • Handle queries from consultants and other Trust staff, using initiative and escalating when necessary.

  • Maintain an excellent telephone manner to ensure clear and professional communication.

  • Prioritise workload efficiently within set work patterns, raising any concerns with the Cancer Manager or Deputy.

  • Work flexibly across the department as needed.

  • Enter and retrieve data from hospital systems.

  • Conduct data quality validation under supervision.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Book appointments in line with national guidelines.

  • Support the triage process and monitor the timeliness of the Consultants triage across all services.

  • Liaise with diagnostic services when booking Straight to Test (STT) Pathways.

  • Assist with the bounce back process for incomplete referrals.

  • Communicate with patients, colleagues, and internal/external contacts in a courteous, professional, and timely manner (via telephone, written correspondence, and face-to-face).

  • Assist in monitoring performance against agreed Waiting Time Targets for diagnosis and treatment for patients on a Cancer Pathway, as directed by the MDT Co-ordinators.

  • Support the MDT Co-ordinators in managing and tracking patients through every stage of the pathway to ensure diagnostic tests and treatments are completed within target timelines.

  • Develop an understanding of Cancer Waiting Time Targets (28/31/62-day standards).

  • Gain knowledge of patient pathways for assigned tumour sites.

  • Check outcomes for patients attending outpatient clinics under Two Week Wait referrals and support timely booking of required tests.

  • Liaise with Radiology and Outpatients Booking Teams to ensure efficient pathways for cancer patients.

  • Escalate potential breaches or delays in pathways to MDT Co-ordinators or, in their absence, the Cancer Services Manager.

  • Support the MDT Co-ordinators and clinical teams in:

    • Collating, validating, and entering patient information onto the Somerset Cancer Registry (daily).

    • Keeping waiting time information updated for monthly submissions to Open Exeter.

    • Collecting mandatory dataset items relevant to tumour-specific requirements.

    • Cross-covering and ensuring continuity of service across all MDTs.

    • Covering work during staff absence or annual leave, as appropriate.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the MDT Co-ordinators or Cancer Services Manager.

  • Handle queries from consultants and other Trust staff, using initiative and escalating when necessary.

  • Maintain an excellent telephone manner to ensure clear and professional communication.

  • Prioritise workload efficiently within set work patterns, raising any concerns with the Cancer Manager or Deputy.

  • Work flexibly across the department as needed.

  • Enter and retrieve data from hospital systems.

  • Conduct data quality validation under supervision.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oGood standard of general education oGeneral administration o4 or above in GCSE Math & English

Desirable

  • oIT skills equivalent to RSA2, NVQ2 or relevant experience of Microsoft Word Packages

Experience

Essential

  • oNHS experience oAbility to communicate both verbally and in writing routine information oExperience of working within a confidential environment

Desirable

  • oExperience of appointment procedures and processes

Knowledge

Essential

  • oAbility to use Microsoft Word Package oExcellent communication skills - written and verbal. oMethodical, organised approach to work, with good attention to detail oAbility to work under pressure oAbility to prioritise own workload

Desirable

  • oNHS IT systems
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • oGood standard of general education oGeneral administration o4 or above in GCSE Math & English

Desirable

  • oIT skills equivalent to RSA2, NVQ2 or relevant experience of Microsoft Word Packages

Experience

Essential

  • oNHS experience oAbility to communicate both verbally and in writing routine information oExperience of working within a confidential environment

Desirable

  • oExperience of appointment procedures and processes

Knowledge

Essential

  • oAbility to use Microsoft Word Package oExcellent communication skills - written and verbal. oMethodical, organised approach to work, with good attention to detail oAbility to work under pressure oAbility to prioritise own workload

Desirable

  • oNHS IT systems

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

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Service Manager-Cancer and Palliative Care

Gemma Fisher

gemma.fisher@bedfordhospital.nhs.uk

01234355122

Details

Date posted

05 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-COR8201-MR

Job locations

Bedford Hospital South Wing

Kempston road

Bedford

MK42 9DJ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)