Deputy Patient Access Manager

Description:

The Sussex Cancer Centre is seeking a Deputy Patient Access Manager to help deliver a high-quality, flexible administrative service within our busy oncology unit. This key role supports the Patient Access Manager in achieving Patient Access and Cancer Treatment targets.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of outpatient services, ensuring efficient patient flow and timely appointments. The role includes managing peaks in activity, supervising the Patient Access Clerks team, allocating workloads, conducting appraisals, and handling HR matters in line with Trust policy.

We’re looking for someone with extensive experience in booking procedures, a strong understanding of cancer targets and the 18-week referral-to-treatment pathway, plus a proven track record in change management and team leadership. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are essential. You should be confident in managing your own workload, multitasking, and adapting to changing service demands.
 

• Collaborate with the Operational Manager and Patient Access Manager across all Oncology sites to manage operational processes and address capacity/demand pressures.
• Line manage Patient Access Clerks in the First Contact Oncology Booking Hub, including workload allocation, training, appraisals, recruitment, and HR compliance.
• Advise outpatient and inpatient admin teams on complex patient access, diagnosis, and treatment issues.
• Support delivery of national cancer waiting time standards, including 18 weeks and 2-week wait targets.
• Collect and provide data for statistical reports and performance monitoring.
• Identify and resolve capacity issues affecting cancer waiting times and RTT standards.
• Manage outpatient waiting lists, prevent backlogs, and coordinate additional clinics during peak activity.
• Act as escalation point for patient, relative, and GP queries; investigate complaints and escalate unresolved issues.
• Ensure accurate PAS data entry for cancer waiting times and RTT status.
• Work with clinical teams to ensure compliance with Patient Access Policy.
• Validate cancer waiting times and support RTT and cancer recovery plans.
• Provide information to assist operational and clinical leads in managing demand and capacity.
• Coordinate clinician leave, clinic cancellations, and patient rescheduling.
• Attend PTL and RTT meetings as required.
• Deliver a flexible, efficient admin and reception service supporting patients and clinical teams.

Working for our organisation At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.