Wider Healthcare Team
Administration
In the NHS, good record-keeping and administration can save lives. Doctors and other healthcare professionals need fast access to patients’ notes to make vital decisions about treatment. If, for example, an unconscious or confused patient is allergic to a particular drug or has a chronic condition such as diabetes, then the medical team needs to know.
Administrativestaff also have to communicate clearly with patients and outside organisations like social services. Equally, everyone contacting the health service – GPs, patients, relatives and staff – needs a first-class response.
Roles in this area include:
Clerks
Clerks are employed throughout the health service. In some clerical roles you will have a lot of contact with patients and relatives, in others none at all. You might work:
- in an office, doing general tasks such as filing and photocopying
- in a clinic, arranging appointments and checking patients in
- on a ward, helping to admit and discharge patients.
Medical record-keepers
As the NHS moves from paper to electronic records, medical record-keepers are more vital than ever. You will look after highly confidential clinical notes. You’ll have to ensure the records are completely secure but at the same time have them readily available to those treating patients.
Medical secretaries
In this role you will run a GP or consultant’s office, dealing with correspondence, making appointments, handling patients’ queries and liaising with other healthcare staff. You’ll develop familiarity with medical terms. Medical secretaries work on their own initiative much of the time and deal with confidential clinical information.
Receptionists
As part of the front-line team, the receptionist is the first point of contact for many patients and visitors. You could work in one of many different areas, such as A&E, outpatients or a GP’s surgery. You might make appointments, check patients in and arrange transport, probably using a computer system.
Secretaries/typists
Your role will vary, depending on where you are based and how your office is organised. As well as word-processing, you might use computer spreadsheets and databases, deal with post, emails and phone calls, and run a filing system.
Switchboard operators/telephonists
Like a receptionist, you will be an important first contact for patients and their families, who might be anxious or upset. You will also take urgent calls from GPs and other healthcare staff in the community.
