Practice Secretary

• Sending, receiving and processing of correspondence to and from various organisations providing care for our patients.
• Coding any correspondence and patient records as appropriate using national coding standards and rules.
• Applying various tools and IT solutions to ensure the accuracy and timely actions on patient records.

• Communicating clearly and effectively with patients whilst treating them with care and compassion
• Complying with all mandatory training.
• Actively participating in any relevant meetings.
• Maintaining and updating a continuing personal development plan and portfolio.

• Ensuring full compliance with information governance standards policies around confidentially and security of patient records.
• Follow protocol for preparing medical records for patient access which includes redacting third party and sensitive information.

• In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately
• In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder will have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential and may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the Practice policies and procedures.

• Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills
• Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards
• Actively reporting health and safety hazards immediately when recognised
• Keeping own work areas and general work areas generally clean, assisting in the maintenance of general standards of cleanliness consistent with the scope of the job holders role

• Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation
• Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues
• Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

• Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development
• Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Essential

• NHS clinical secretarial experience
• IT housekeeping/ Microsoft Word/Excel etc
• Referral processes and eRS
• Good computer skills
• Good literacy and numeric skills
• Fast and accurate typing
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organisational and self management skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a team player
• Excellent telephone manner & written English
• Desire to learn
• Able to work and communicate effectively others
• Understanding of importance of patient care and confidentiality
• Personable, friendly and respectful of patients and colleagues
• Accuracy of input

Desirable

• Experience of working within General Practice