Role Summary
The Breast Care Secretary provides vital administrative support to ensure the effective and efficient running of the breast care service. Serving as the first point of contact for patients, the postholder manages telephone enquiries, signposts to appropriate services, coordinates clinic and diagnostic appointments, and issues patient correspondence. The role also involves collecting and maintaining accurate data for audits, supporting clear communication, efficient scheduling, and robust documentation to uphold high standards of patient care and meet service performance targets.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
The postholder will serve as the first point of contact for the Breast Care Service, providing professional and efficient communication with patients, healthcare professionals, and members of the public. They will handle enquiries, ensure messages are directed appropriately, and manage appointments using the electronic booking system. Responsibilities will include processing clinical correspondence and maintaining the booking system to a consistently high standard.
The role requires excellent IT skills, strong organisational ability, and the capacity to manage and prioritise workload independently while working effectively as part of a team. A professional, methodical approach and a polite telephone manner are essential.
The postholder will provide comprehensive administrative support to the clinical team, ensuring a smooth and efficient service. This includes covering colleagues’ duties during periods of absence or annual leave, assisting with data management and analysis, organising specialist educational events, coordinating the ordering and distribution of breast prostheses, managing telephone and email communications, and supporting the nurses’ diaries.
A flexible approach to work is essential to meet the needs of the service. Experience within a medical environment and familiarity with clinical computer systems are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. The postholder will be a valued and adaptable member of the breast care team, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality, patient-focused service.
The post-holder will be based in our office at North Devon District Hospital
Working Pattern: 15 hours per week. Monday and Tuesdays 0800-1600
Interview Date: 26th November 2025
For further information please contact: Claire Herlihy, Advanced Clinical Practitioner + Team Lead on 01271 349115 claire.herlihy@nhs.net or Amy Barrow, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist on 01271 349115 amy.barrow1@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
