Job Description

The Foot & Ankle and Spinal are looking for an Patient Pathway Coordinator to join the team. This broad, patient centred and high profile role is integral to the operational running of the department which is currently striving to meet the challenge of additional demand across the service.



The role of the Patient Pathway Co-ordinator is key to ensuring our patients are supported throughout the care they receive at RNOH. The post holder is responsible for the management of the whole patient pathway, from referral to discharge, including first outpatient appointment, diagnostics, planning of treatment, treatment, and follow-up appointments, whilst considering the trust's KPI Targets.



The ideal candidate will have experience of working in the NHS. The post holder will have an increasing responsibility for the development, coordination and facilitation of the patient's pathway process, will ensure all patients are robustly tracked through the appropriate pathway and ensure that all the relevant data is accurately recorded, reported and analysed in a timely manner. Candidates should have excellent organisational and communications skills, be able to work under pressure whilst ensuring all deadlines are achieved.



At the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), we are committed to achieving the best staff experience in the NHS. In the 2023 NHS Staff Survey, we proudly:

Scored above the national average for the People Promises:

"We are recognised and rewarded," "We are always learning," "We work flexibly," "We are a team," and for staff engagement.

Ranked #1 among all Trusts in North and Central London for all People Promises and themes.

Ranked #1 among all Acute Specialist Trusts for "We work flexibly."



At RNOH, we're committed to being actively anti-discriminatory and actively inclusive. We recognise our brilliant people do brilliant work, and we offer rewarding careers, no matter what their background. We continue to strive to break down barriers to be the Trust where people come together because what they do matters, makes a difference and where they can thrive. ?



Joining our organisation means enjoying a wide range of staff benefits, including:



24/7 access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme.

A Rewards & Recognition platform, offering opportunities to thank colleagues, send gifts, and access exclusive discounts.

A dedicated Staff Wellbeing Hub, providing a space to relax and recharge away from the work environment.

Salary sacrifice schemes for transport (season ticket loans, car and bike), electrical goods, and childcare



At RNOH, we are more than a workplace--we are committed to patients, to excellence and the wellbeing of our staff.



To be responsible for the management of the patient pathway, from referral to treatment, through diagnostics, treatment planning and follow-up, highlighting any potential delays in the pathway and ensuring accurate data collection to support the process



To have a sound understanding of 18 week and cancer waiting time targets, rules and procedures, and to work proactively to ensure that all targets are maintained.



To provide a weekly update to Deputy / Service Managers so they are aware of any pathway delays or potential breaches of waiting times targets.



To routinely attend performance review meetings and ensure that agreed actions and outcomes are requested, documented and monitored.



Receive new referrals and check hospital data systems to see if the patient has been previously registered with a hospital number.



Review triaging information from consultants and action the required next steps, communicating a consultant's decision not to treat or to accept the referral back to a patient, ensuring documentation is sent to the referrer and patient with the referrer and patient, as required.



Book and reschedule admissions, new, follow up and diagnostic appointments, in line with the Trust's Access Policy and Cancer Waiting Times Operational Policy, taking responsibility for complex booking and rescheduling.



Ensure patient pathway status is identified and proactively monitor the pathway to ensure that all elements of patient care are scheduled in line with regulatory access targets (e.g. RTT - referral to treatment targets, DM01 - 6 week diagnostic target and various cancer targets) and as set out in the Trust's Access and Cancer Waiting Times Operational policies.



To review the patient tracking list (PTL), participate in PTL meetings and identify potential delays or issues with a patient pathway or potential breaches, and take preventative steps to avoid these, i.e. chasing diagnostic tests, results of tests. Ensure relevant tracking information is up to date.



Proactively identify potential capacity issues and work with the clinical and managerial teams to address the issue, using analysis and problem-solving skills.



Responsible for identifying vacant slots and filling them, to ensure maximum clinic and theatre list utilisation.



To establish and maintain strong communication links with the clinical team, attending weekly planning meetings and ensuring lists are managed in a clinically appropriate manner as guided by the team.



Deal with stressful situations that may arise when dealing with patients who are anxious or distressed, or where there are barriers to understanding, using tact, diplomacy and empathy at all times and in line with Trust values.