In a post-COVID world, how are admin staff essential in dealing with NHS waiting lists and easing the pressure on the healthcare system?

As a nation, we would be lost without the NHS. However, It’s no secret that our health service is facing a staffing crisis. 

One in ten NHS jobs is currently vacant, and leaked figures highlight that is unsolved, England will be 571,000 healthcare workers short by 2036. The government has announced a workforce plan to address the staffing crisis, but to date, no concrete details have emerged. 

A key issue within the NHS is retention linked to high rates of sickness and burnout. In a recent survey, over 58% of midwives reported experiencing burnout most of the time.  

The overstretched health system needs better deployment resources. 

So what’s the short-term solution?

…Support staff!

Alongside increasing productivity, non-clinical support staff free up clinicians’ precious time to focus on patients.

Support staff, particularly administrators and related roles are critical within the NHS and wider public sector. Their roles and responsibilities depend on which department within our vast healthcare system they support – but they have one thing in common… ensuring patients receive the care they need whilst alleviating the pressure on clinicians.

As the face of many departments of the NHS, individuals in these roles offer an essential human touch, managing expectations and providing valuable support whilst maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery.

These staff members could be responsible for:

• Handling patient requests, records and information
• Coordinating appointments and clinical staff schedules.
• Monitoring budget alignment and allocating resources.
• Overseeing staffing needs, training, and performance evaluation.
• Implementing and ensuring compliance with NHS policies and procedures.
• Facilitating effective communication among staff, patients and other stakeholders.
• Managing facilities, including maintenance and equipment management.

The key skills expected of them would be:

• Leadership: to lead, inspire, manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Communication: to interact with staff, patients, and external partners.
• Problem-solving: to address operational challenges and make important decisions.
• Organisational Skills: to effectively multitask and time manage.
• Regulatory Knowledge: to meet compliance needs and healthcare regulations.
• Technology Proficiency: utilising specialist systems and administrative software.
• Interpersonal Skills: to build and maintain positive relationships.

At The Recruitment Co., we take pride in sourcing top administrative talent which matches the needs of the NHS; we do this by employing a meticulous and tailored approach to candidate selection. Our experienced team conducts thorough evaluations of candidates, assessing not only their qualifications and experience but dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services. 

We prioritise a seamless recruitment process, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements particularly against the NHS’s 6 Employment Check Standards.

Recently, our business successfully navigated and surpassed the rigorous standards set by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) audit, an achievement which demonstrates that high compliance standards and rigorous background checks are at the core of our hiring processes – something which is key in the realm of healthcare. Read more here.

Our commitment extends beyond filling positions; we strive to build lasting partnerships, contributing to the continued success and efficiency of healthcare delivery in collaboration with the NHS.

Interested in finding out more. Get in touch today:

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