PALS Officer

Act as an initial point of contact for patients requesting information or raising concerns within the Trust, providing a confidential service for people wishing to discuss their care or treatment.

Respond to concerns raised by patients, carers and families by providing advice, support and direction, facilitating communication and negotiating immediate solutions so issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.

Respond appropriately to people who may be in distress or display antagonistic behaviour

Ensure correspondence and patient contact are acknowledged within national guidance, and patients or advocates are kept informed of developments.

Provide information about Trust services and the NHS complaints procedure; support access to Trust, advocacy, voluntary and interpreting services; refer health-record requests to the Data Management Team; and direct service users to the complaints process in line with national and local policy.

Complete and securely file comprehensive documentation, promptly direct complaints to the appropriate directorate, senior manager, director or respondent, and maintain good working relationships with staff, external organisations, stakeholders, service-user groups and the local community.

Support patient-information, record 4Cs activity on DATIX, prepare reports on trends and lessons learnt, and help evaluate and monitor the service.

The PALS Officer provides a confidential, responsive and patient-centred service for patients, relatives, carers and staff who need information, advice or support, or who wish to raise concerns, comments, compliments or complaints about Trust services. Acting as an initial point of contact, the post holder listens sensitively, manages challenging and distressing situations professionally, clarifies issues and facilitates prompt local resolution wherever possible. They explain the NHS complaints process, keep people informed about progress, and refer matters promptly to appropriate directorates, senior managers, advocacy, interpreting, voluntary, data management or specialist services. The role requires effective working relationships with clinical and non-clinical teams, external organisations, community groups and other stakeholders, while maintaining public and professional confidence. The post holder distributes and monitors stocks of patient information, records all 4Cs activity accurately and securely on DATIX, maintains comprehensive case documentation and supports the preparation of reports on activity, trends and lessons learned. They contribute to service monitoring, evaluation, governance and continuous improvement, using feedback to improve care and patient experience. The officer also follows Trust requirements for confidentiality, information governance, safeguarding, infection control, health and safety, record keeping, wellbeing, equality and all relevant policies, procedures and professional standards.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) plays a central role in improving health and wellbeing across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and surrounding communities. Employing more than 20,000 colleagues, it is Nottinghamshire's largest employer and one of the country's largest and busiest NHS trusts, serving over 2.5 million local residents and around four million people across the East Midlands and beyond. Its services span Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham City Hospital and Ropewalk House, alongside nationally and internationally recognised specialist care, pioneering surgery and major research programmes. NUH hosts the East Midlands Major Trauma Centre and Nottingham Children's Hospital and, with the University of Nottingham, a Biomedical Research Centre studying hearing, digestive and respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, mental health and imaging. As a teaching trust, NUH educates and trains doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals through strong partnerships with the universities of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Loughborough. The Trust acknowledges significant recent challenges, including recovery from Covid, the independent review of maternity services and the need to improve organisational culture, while emphasising progress and a sustained focus on safer, better services. This includes major redevelopment for QMC and City Hospital, plus the new 70-bed rehabilitation facility at Stanford Hall, reflecting NUH's ambition.

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential: - Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's "Values and Behaviour framework

Information Resources

Desirable: - Experience of using DATIX Risk Management System.

Training & Qualifications

Essential: - ECDL or equivalent IT qualification/s; GCSE English Language (level 4 and above)

Desirable: - Understanding of the NHS complaint process; Typing qualification

Experience

Essential: - Experience working in a customer service environment.

Desirable: - Handling complaints and/or Patient Advice Liaison Services

Communication and relationship skills

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential: - Able to receive and manage sensitive information and decide the most appropriate course of action.

Planning and organisation skills

Physical skills

Essential: - Able to work for long periods on a computer.

Policy/Service Development

Essential: - Able to follow policy and procedures in order to deal with issues raised by patients, their carers and relatives.

Human Resources

Essential: - Able to provide information to staff to support staff to manage concerns and complaint of patients / service users