Medical secretary

Medical secretary

Closing date: 05 August 2026

The Microbiology Department at University Hospitals Dorset is looking for an organised, motivated and proactive Medical Secretary to join our team based at the Dorset Pathology Hub.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to Consultant Microbiologists and the wider Microbiology team. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting clinical services, communication pathways, surveillance reporting, departmental administration and digital systems across the service.

The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, the ability to prioritise workload independently, and strong communication skills when dealing with healthcare professionals, patients and external organisations.

This post would suit someone with previous secretarial or administrative experience who enjoys working in a fast‑paced healthcare environment and is confident using a range of IT systems and digital tools.

Interview date: 17 August

• Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to Consultant Microbiologists and the Microbiology Department.
• Produce and distribute clinical correspondence, reports, meeting documentation and departmental communications.
• Manage telephone and email enquiries from healthcare professionals, patients, GP practices, UKHSA and reference laboratories.
• Organise meetings, prepare agendas and take minutes.
• Support departmental rotas, onboarding of junior doctors and induction activities.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and use Trust systems including LIMS, EPR and Clinical Record Tracking systems.
• Support surveillance reporting, audit activities and departmental data management.
• Assist with departmental finance processes including invoice checking and eProc administration.
• Provide first‑line administrative support for departmental digital systems and liaise with Trust IT teams regarding system issues and upgrades.
• Help support service improvement initiatives and contribute to quality management processes within the department.

The post holder will be expected to work independently within established policies and procedures while managing competing priorities effectively.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to delivering outstanding healthcare services across Dorset through innovation, collaboration and compassionate care.

Our Pathology services are undergoing significant transformation as part of the Trust's ambitious programme to develop modern, sustainable and forward‑thinking healthcare services. Joining our Microbiology team offers the opportunity to be part of a supportive and evolving department that values teamwork, continuous improvement and staff development.

We employ around 10,000 staff and work closely with Bournemouth University to provide education, training and research opportunities across the Trust.

UHD has active networks including Women’s, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

• Secretarial qualification to RSA 3 and ECDL or equivalent.
• Good general education and ability to be numerate, literate with a good command of spoken and written English.
• Gained or working towards Advanced European Computer Driving Licence.
• Ability to organise, manage and prioritise workload.

• Experience of minute taking and audio typing.
• Previous secretarial experience for a minimum of two years.
• Experience of creating and maintaining rotas.
• Experience in the use of IT packages.
• Understanding of Trust procedures and policies relating to the role.
• Medical Secretarial experience.
• Fully competent in use of PC/IT software packages including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work with minimal levels of direct supervision.
• Willingness to learn and use pathology IT packages.
• Ability to maintain microbiology intranet website.
• Ability to build good working relationships at all levels.
• Ability to identify solutions to problems based on precedent.

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload.
• Can work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Self‑motivated.
• Reliability and diplomacy.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to learn new skills.
• Confidence in dealing appropriately with Health Service professionals at all levels.
• Flexible.

• Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore requires a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust