Sector Spotlight: Elise Doull, Medical Records Officer

In day 3 of our Sector Spotlight on Administration, we hear from Elise Doull, a Medical Records Officer at NHS Orkney. This is just one more administrative job role of many within the health service, with more to come later in the week.

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--Can you describe a typical day in your role as Medical Records Officer?
Medical Records is a very busy department as we cover administration for the visiting services at The Balfour.  A typical day would include answering phone calls from patients, populating clinics, transcribing letters from consultants and prepping paperwork for going into the electronic patient records.  It has a lot of variety.
 
--How did you end up in this role?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school in 5th year, and going away to university wasn’t something I was too keen on, so I went to Orkney College where I completed a HNC course in Business Admin. After completing that aged 17, I applied for a modern apprenticeship in HR within NHS Orkney which I didn’t get, but then later was offered a job as Team Secretary as a modern apprentice.  I completed my SVQ2 and then I progressed to a Medical Records Officer.  I am still working in the same department 7 years later!
 
--What is the best thing about your job?
I love when I can give patients good news, for example they’ve been given an appointment they’ve waited months for, or if there is a cancellation on a theatre list and someone is so grateful to be offered that slot.  It’s really nice to feel appreciated and to know you are helping people.
 
--What is the worst thing about your job?
Unfortunately, NHS waiting times are long and when patients phone in to enquire when they will be seen it is often months away.  It can feel quite despairing and some phone calls can be difficult due to frustration from patients, which is understandable.
 
--What skills do you need to undertake your role?

• Working as a team
• Organisation and time management
  
• Attention to detail
• Using your own initiative
• Be able to ask for help
• Communication and listening skills

 
--What qualifications do you have?

• SVQ2 Business Admin
• HNC Business Admin
• 2 Higher subjects
• 5 National 5 subjects

 
--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
I would recommend this job to young people because it’s interesting, there’s always new things to learn and opportunities to be trained in other roles within the department.  It gives you good experience and skills for the future.

Visit NHS Orkney on:
 
Website:  https://www.ohb.scot.nhs.uk/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nhsorkney/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/nhsorkney
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhs-orkney
YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTDkxpsLBQKYVyVtDDrwYVQ