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Job summary

Main area
Orthopaedics
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Maternity Post starting October 2026)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Job ref
387-WD2453-LMG
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Weston General Hospital
Town
Weston-super-Mare
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 pa pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
04/08/2026 23:59
Interview date
12/08/2026

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Secretary

Band 3

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

The Medical Secretary provides a comprehensive, efficient and high-quality secretarial and administrative service to clinical teams and speciality services. The post holder acts as a key point of contact for patients, relatives, carers, GPs and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring effective communication and the timely production of accurate clinical correspondence. The role supports the effective management of patient pathways, including Referral to Treatment (RTT) standards, partial booking waiting list administration, results tracking and clinic outcomes. The post holder is responsible for maintaining accurate patient records, prioritising workload to meet service demands, contributing to the delivery of a responsive and patient-focused service. Working independently and as part of a wider administrative team, the post holder will demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and customer service skills whilst maintaining confidentiality, supporting continuous improvement and always upholding the Trust’s values.

This is a maternity fixed term for the Orthopaedic Department

Interviews to take place on Wednesday 12th August

 

 

Main duties of the job

  • To support the Senior Medical Secretaries on a day-to-day basis with admin, typing of letters and overseeing of basic tasks
  • To liaise with and act as a point of contact for clinical and non-clinical staff via telephone and email
  • To act as a point of contact for patients, relatives and carers. The post holder should be polite and empathetic to the patient’s needs at all times and be able to communicate effectively when dealing with difficult situations/conversations
  • Returning calls promptly and keeping callers updated with information in an effective and efficient way
  • Escalate patient queries, capacity problems and general issues to the role’s line manager or relevant clinical staff as appropriate
  • To show a caring and professional approach towards patients, relatives and carers. This may require acting with resilience to deal with sometimes distressed patients and relatives in a professional and empathetic manner

Working for our organisation

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as ‘Good’ overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We would welcome applications from those who meet the essential criteria as set out in the person specification. This includes having a qualification (pass or distinction) in audio transcription, word processing or have relevant experience. 

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and person specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Educations and Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to GCSE, grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Maths
  • Business and Administration Level 3 NVQ or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
  • Audio typing or medical secretary qualification
  • Proofreading qualification or evidence of advanced keyboard skills

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy
  • Confidence to handle difficult conversations with patients, relatives and carers
  • Ability to handle difficult conversations professionally and sensitively
  • Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
  • Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages
  • Ability to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Attention to detail
Desirable criteria
  • Understanding of RTT pathways and NHS performance targets
  • Knowledge of NHS systems and processes
  • Understanding of medical terminology

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous admin or secretarial role
  • Experience dealing with members of the public by telephone and in person
Desirable criteria
  • Previous NHS experience
  • Experience of clinical correspondence or digital dictation systems
  • Experience supporting patient pathways and waiting list management

Personal qualities

Essential criteria
  • Professional and patient-focused approach
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Flexible and adaptable approach to work
  • Commitment to confidentiality and data security
  • Demonstrates Trust values

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Tara Fox
Job title
Admin Team Leader
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01934881282
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