Sector Spotlight: Kelly Reid, Clinical Admin Supervisor

In our second Sector Spotlight on Administration, we hear from Kelly Reid, Clinical Admin Supervisor at NHS Orkney. This is just one more job role of many, as a strong administrative team is integral to the day-to-day running of the health service, and we'll be featuring more of them as the week goes on!

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--Can you describe a typical day in your role as Clinical Admin Supervisor?
There isn’t really a “typical day” in my role as no day ever looks the same; however, my duties and responsibilities include managing various teams within the Clinical Admin Team.  This includes being responsible for the Podiatry Administrator, Physio Administrators, Long Term Conditions Administrator, Scanning Clerks, Ward Clerks and Outpatient Clerk.  I support staff with training, appraisals and general day to day issues.
I am also responsible for assisting with the coordination of visiting specialist Outpatient and Inpatient services at NHSO. 
 
--How did you end up in this role?
I left school after sixth year and knew I wanted to do something admin based as I had enjoyed these subjects at school.  I completed the HNC Business Admin course at Orkney College and continued my studies there to complete my BA in Business Management.  After I graduated, I was lucky enough to be offered a job as a Medical Records Officer where I worked for 11 years before progressing into the Clinical Admin Supervisor role.  During this time I also trained as a Clinical Coder.

--What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is working in a team, where the work is so varied and busy there is never time to be bored.  Progressing into the supervisor role, has given me opportunities for my opinions and ideas to be listened to, which has enabled me to make positive changes for both services and staff.  I have also gained lots of medical terminology and built up a great understanding of patient services in Orkney which I enjoy.
I am also lucky enough to work alongside a team of very dedicated colleagues, some who I have worked with for 16 years.

--What is the worst thing about your job?
Unfortunately, the worst part of my role is dealing with the current NHS waiting times. NHS services remain extremely stretched and it’s frustrating not being able to help patients as much as we would like.
 
--What skills do you need to undertake your role?
Essential skills for my role would be:

• Leadership qualities
• Good team working
• Excellent communication skills
• Good decision maker – being a manager you have to have thick-skin!!

--What qualifications do you have?

• BA Business Management
• HNC Business Administration
• Standard Grades and Highers

--Would you recommend this job to young people, if so why?
Working in the NHS has its pressures, but I have gained a huge amount of knowledge along the way and been given lots of great opportunities.  If you are interested in admin work and also have an interest in patient services, I would highly recommend this job.

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