r/nhs • u/Enough-Ad3818 • Nov 04 '23
This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!
Jobs are advertised at the following places:
NHS Scotland: https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
NHS England and NHS Wales: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
NHS Northern Ireland: https://jobs.hscni.net/
Advert
The advert will give you basic information about the role and the Trust. The most important parts are the Job Description and the Person Spec. These will give you a much more details explanation as to what the job will entail and what kind of person the role will require.
The advert will also include the contact details for the hiring manager. This person is the best resource for any questions you may have about the job. What's the day to day workload like? How big is the team? What's the department hierarchy like? How is the department faring at the current time? Where has this vacancy come from, a new post, or has someone vacated it? The hiring manager can answer all of these, and they are also a good place to get information that may help you with your application and potential interview.
Application
Applications are often hosted by TRAC, the recruitment software used by NHS England, or JobTrain in NHS Scotland. You will need to fill out your qualifications and experience, as well as declare any convictions etc.
The most important part of the application is the Support Information. This area requires you to explain how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Spec. Try to keep it relatively to the point, as there's usually two dozen or so criteria in all, and you're best bet is to try and show where you've had experience in each of the criteria. If you haven't got any experience in that area, then try to show where you've done something similar, or do some research in what you would need to do to get that skill/experience. It's fine to acknowledge that you don't have that skill/experience but that you know what to do to acquire it.
Do not use AI to create this part of the application, as it is really obvious and so many applicants do this that the applications that stand out the most are the candidates that DON'T use this method. The AI is also not able to deliver the information quite as well as you can, and often uses very wordy and flourishing descriptions that are wholly unnecessary.
Shortlisting
When the advert closes, the hiring manager will usually complete shortlisting within a week. Shortlisting involves scoring the applications and placing them into three categories:
Interview
Every hiring manager will interview differently. Every role requires different skills and abilities, so it's very difficult to know what will be in the interviews. When you are sent the interview invite, it should state if a test or presentation is required. Obviously, we at r/NHS cannot tell anyone what kinds of questions are going to be asked in the interview. These are written by the recruiting manager and so are specific to that post in that organisation.
For preparation, look up the Trust, and get some information on their values. Do some homework on the services provided by that Trust and any major milestones they may have had. How many staff do they employ, and what catchment area to they cover? Although this information is not specific to the role you've applied for, it is useful to know more about the organisation you're trying to work for, and I know several managers ask questions where this kind of information would be very beneficial.
Dress smart. Ties are not essential and are actually considered an infection control risk in hospitals (which is why you dont really see clinical staff wearing them), but this isn't a problem in an interview. Essentially, it's up to you if you wish to wear one. Wearing clothing that's too casual does not give a good impression, so put a bit of effort in to show you are taking the interview seriously.
It is up to you if you wish to take notes into the interview with you. It's usually best to confirm if that's OK with the hiring manager before you start referencing them.
Try to ensure you have a couple of questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Pay is not really a topic for this part of the process. The job advert will state what band the role is, and this isn't something that's very negotiable. If you're a successful candidate, then you can make a request to be started higher up the band, if you have a lot of skills and experience that would justify it.
Results
At the end of the interview, the panel should explain what the next steps are, but more importantly, when you should expect to hear from them regarding the results. Don't despair if you don't hear anything on the day that was stated. Remember the panel have day jobs they're trying to do as well as this recruitment process. Sometimes it's tough to get the panel back together to review the interviews and scores.
If you've not heard a result a few days after the day that was stated, then reach out to the hiring manager to get an update. The top candidate needs to accept or reject the role before the results can be filtered through to the rest of the field of candidates. Sometimes people take a long time to do this, and whilst this happens, everyone else is hanging on waiting for news. From a candidate's perspective, it's best if you know what your response would be before you know the result. That way, you're not wasting anyone's time.
Next steps
The hiring manager informs the Recruitment Team of the results, and the hiring process begins. You will be given a conditional offer that outlines the specifics of the role whilst the relevant checks take place. These involve confirming your ID, getting references, getting an Occ Health report etc. The usual delays are from your references and getting their response. You can help this along by contacting your references as soon as you know you are successful, and make them aware that they will be contacted regarding your reference. Occ Health can also be a delay as there's simply not enough of them for the amount of recruitment each Trust is trying to do, so they nearly always have a backlog.
When all the checks are completed, you'll be contacted to arrange a start date, and you'll be given your official contract to sign. This is you accepting the role and start date.
Usually, from interview result to arranging a start date is approx 7-10 weeks. If you are an internal candidate, this is much shorter.
Last updated 07.08.25
r/nhs • u/DrawingDragoon • Oct 30 '24
This thread will be updated as and when more questions are asked frequently!
This information pertains to NHS Providers in England. There may be some variation in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in conjunction with the Data Protection Act 2018, gives everyone the right to apply for access to their medical records.
A request for information from medical records has to be made with the organisation that holds your records – the data controller. For example, your GP practice, optician or dentist. For hospital records, contact the records manager or patient services manager at the relevant hospital trust. You can find a list of hospital trusts and their contact details here.
Your request must be made in writing to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Some healthcare providers will have a specific request form that you must fill out, they may also ask for verification of your identity.
You will often be able to submit your request by email or by post.
You should state that you require a copy of your medical records and specify whether you would like all or part of your records.
No. There are no special rules which allow organisations to charge fees if they are complying with a SAR for health data.
Under Schedule 3 of the Data Protection Act 2018there are certain circumstances in which full access to a patient’s health record may be denied. These include cases where the release is likely to cause serious harm to the physical or mental health of the patient or another individual. Prior to release, the data controller for the records should consult with either a health professional responsible for the individual or someone with the experience and qualifications to advise accordingly.
Health and care records are confidential so a person can only access someone else’s records if they are authorised to do so. To access someone else’s health records, a person must:
Yes. If you think that the health or care information in your records is factually inaccurate, you have a legal right to ask for your records to be amended. For instance, you can ask for your home address to be changed because you moved house. You may also ask for something you feel has been inaccurately recorded, such as a diagnosis, to be corrected. However, it may not be possible to agree to your request.
Health and care professionals have a legal duty and professional responsibility to keep health and care records accurate and up to date. However, mistakes in record keeping can occasionally happen.
Patients and service users have the right to request for their records to be rectified if they feel inaccurate information is held about them. They may make a request concerning:
You can read more from the ICO on "Right to rectification" here
A request can be made either by speaking to staff or in writing. You may need to provide evidence of the correct details, for example proof of address or change of surname after marriage. The organisation will then consider the request. Where organisations agree to make a change, they should make it as soon as practically possible, but in any event within one month.
Retention periods vary per record type. You can Search the minimum record retention period here.
r/nhs • u/ImaginaryFrame4490 • 3m ago
I want to apply for this post. Can someone who has/is working as a Senior Health Care Assistant please tell me what the actual responsibilities are? Mainly asking about physical care? Do I need to assist with personal hygiene, toilet facilities?
r/nhs • u/Ok_Student_3292 • 4h ago
Hi all,
So 3ish years ago, my GP referred me to neuro at my local hospital. She never actually sent the referral, for some reason, and I didn't follow up properly because she told me it could take years as it was a Routine referral.
Then on 14/10, my optician also referred me to neuro, and told me I should have heard back about the first referral by now, so I followed up. This is how I found out it was never sent. My new GP then made another referral for me, on 16/10, which she said she expedited and marked on her end as urgent, and she advised me that I should be booked in and sorted out ASAP because it's essentially a 3 year old referral for a brain scan. She also said to check with the neuro team if I hadn't heard by Monday lunch as she ideally wants me seen within 2 weeks (I know this is not necessarily going to happen, but just to convey how urgent my GP was about it).
So I email today, ask if they got the referral, ask if the GP was able to expedite it, because I can't see anything on my NHS app. I get a reply saying that the one person able to triage for neuro is on leave until 11/11. There is no one else available to triage me. I will have to wait on this person to get back from leave, and then they will decide if I'm urgent or not.
Is my only option to wait? Do I have any other recourse here?
r/nhs • u/Particular_Ad589 • 1d ago
Edit: BTW there's loads more - someone has lost the plot
Do they give access to their named account to anybody??? I was just scrolling through reviews for a place I'll be attending, and found this among the first few reviews that appear at the very top (1-star one). Is there no moderation or concern by the practice to have let this on for 10 months (and counting)??? Who can I contact to show them this abhorrent derogatory response?
r/nhs • u/Williamishere69 • 8h ago
I have monthly medications which were on my repeats previously. However, Ive changed my NHS number recently so all my prescriptions had to be re-put on last month.
I have two medications on there which are repeats (methotrexate and folic acid), but all my other ones are not repeat ones (like eczema creams, Elocon, Elidel, Fexofenadine, etc).
Am I meant to contact the pharmacist every time I need them? Or do I need to contact my GP practice to ask them to put them all on repeat prescriptions?
Hi everyone,
I recently changed GP surgeries and my NHS App history has completely disappeared—it only shows my new appointments.
I urgently need the exact dates of my past spinal MRI scans to request my imaging from Blackpool Victoria Hospital for a painful L5-S1 disc bulge flare-up (causing severe back spasms and leg numbness when sitting).
I visited the hospital reception desk where the staff said they cant do this theres no option for them to do it
so
I sent a portal message asking for "Detailed Coded Access" and historic record access, but the Practice Manager called me and claimed they are "not allowed to change anything" on my digital profile. and even if they could i would nnot see anything before my start date this year
My questions:
Any advice from GP admins or anyone who has beaten this loophole would be amazing. Thanks!
r/nhs • u/CommonEdge7095 • 17h ago
It's not enought that I had to wait months, now it has been cancelled to wait another few months.
r/nhs • u/KingOfTheBong420 • 6h ago
I’ve a complex spinal case requiring specialist surgery at Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, Stanmore. I am living in Northern Ireland.
I’ve had my pre op assesment and they requested my GP do some simple blood tests and MRSA swabs and an ECG. My GP has refused as it’s not their responsibility so they asked my local hospital who referred me out to the RNOH and they have also refused.
Now I’m left in limbo while the two hospitals play hot potato with me and my care.
Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this or is this just normal for ECRs ?
r/nhs • u/andy4015 • 1d ago
A relative has a severe dental abscess. Appeared yesterday and got significantly worse overnight.
NHS 111 (N): "sorry there's no dentists available until tomorrow"
My relative (R): "So what can we do? They need antibiotics. Can we speak to a GP?"
N: "No, it's a dental issue, you need to speak to a dentist.".
R: "But you said there aren't any dentists available.'
N: "That's right"
R: "so...?"
N: "If you get really unwell, then go to A&E"
R: "it's clear that I need antibiotics, there must be some way for me to speak to someone qualified to prescribe antibiotics today".
N: "if you get really unwell you can get some at A&E"
Surely the sensible thing would be to give antibiotics BEFORE someone gets seriously ill?! It's clear they need them. Redness, swelling, lump, fever 38.5.
What a broken system.
r/nhs • u/Acceptable-Dog-6395 • 1d ago
I have been in the referral process for a PE corrective surgery. A previous surgeon mentioned a policy change in January 2027 that could make it easier for me to get the surgery. Does anyone know what this could be or how I could find out more easily, as I cannot easily contatc the surgeon as the referral has ended and I need to rerefer. This is not asking about the condition or advice itself, and apologies if I have worded poorly
r/nhs • u/Admirable_Tackle_737 • 1d ago
Called 111 about 6 hours ago following days of worsening concerning symptoms, it's currently 2am and I am fighting to stay awake in case they call (I sometimes have pretty major issues waking up from sleeping and might miss the call if I sleep) and am only feeling worse and worse.
I'm also extremely anxious and worried if I call back to tell them I'm feeling worse they'll just be upset with me or (more likely) just say to wait for a clinician to call me back and I'll still have to wait another 6+ hours.
I just moved so don't have a GP yet. My partner is on nightshift right now and I have mobility issues so can't get to A&E by myself, so I don't really know what to do. I've seen online that people have had to wait upwards of 14 hours for a callback.
I'm just stuck, I don't know what else I can do but wait.
EDIT: Called back and been referred straight to out of hours GP so hopefully shouldn't be too much longer, thank you everyone for your advice <3
r/nhs • u/Annual_Log_8536 • 1d ago
Hey,
I recently had a cxl procedure and I really wanted to thank my nurses and the receptionist that looked after me. The more I think about it the more I think how professional and brilliant they all were and how they relaxed me.
How do I go about giving feedback so I know that it is actually passed on to the staff? I’ve also forgotten one of their names, I’m assuming there will be records of who saw me etc.
Do I go through pals? I would’ve thought if I did, they won’t even tell the ophthalmologists that looked after me, is there any better ways? Can I give sealed gifts also? I know there’s usually gift policies etc.
I’m going back on Wednesday so I’m gonna try get her name.
Thanks
r/nhs • u/Ghost_Geek42 • 2d ago
I wondered what other people think and how they feel about the number of stories hitting the headlines about NHS staff being suspended or fired for breaching the medical records of people involved in high-profile deaths or tragedies?
Yesterday, the Guardian reported that NHS staff were being investigated for breaching medical records of William Chapman, the young man sadly killed by a tiger recently https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/16/nhs-staff-investigated-over-alleged-accessing-of-tiger-victims-records
Today the BBC reported more staff have been fired for accessing records of victims in the 2023 Nottingham stabbing attack https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmd7q8ld3dd3o
These aren't the only cases this year, just the most recently reported on. This seems to be an ongoing pattern that might suggest there's a culture of mishandling data and data privacy and I genuinely am unsure what to think.
edited for typos
r/nhs • u/TarnishedLissy • 2d ago
So I've had a few episodes recently where I've lost the ability to speak or think clearly (it's something neurological but we don't know what). Unfortunately the care has been very patchy. For example, I use a wheelchair anyway, but as I was taken in an ambulance I didn't have it with me. My mobility was even worse than usual yet staff refused to help me to the loo, saying I was lazy, and I couldn't communicate that I can't usually walk far anyway. They left me to wet myself in my bed. Eventually someone did offer to help me but was very angry, trying me to stop being lazy and pick up my feet properly.
I managed to communicate that I was struggling with words but they just said that some people can't talk as well as others. I was left in a bed with cot sides up, no call bell. I tried knocking on the bars to get their attention but when they came over I couldn't speak quickly enough so they walked away again. They kept saying "there's no diagnosis to say you can't walk or talk, you are fine"
When I recovered after a few hours, they just said "see, you can do things" and tbh at this point i just needed to be out of there so a relative brought a wheelchair and I left.
Anyway, I just need something written down to say I can usually speak (I actually do a lot of public speaking and debate as my job) and what my baseline mobility is etc, also things like my meds and medical history.
I don't understand why this country still clings on to the unaffordable and outdated idea of free healthcare for all. Why? Its not like health care is free in other European nations (comp France or Germany), so what makes poor Britain different. I'm not saying it should be like the US system or charged at cost prices, but I'd be happy to pay £20 for a GP visit and those that can afford it should too.
Clearly those who can't afford it should be given free healthcare, but those that can, should contribute something back into the system that would have to be reused by the system to make it better for all.
I appreciate it is a pandoras box and when you start saying £20 for a GP, it becomes 30 then 40, but something has to give as the problems are only going to get worse with our aging population. As someone who had their newborn child almost die due to NHS incompetence and has read of numerous other similar cases, something needs to change. No one I know working in the NHS says the system works, many are looking to leave so the status quo is not an option.
What am I missing?
r/nhs • u/CombAppropriate1631 • 1d ago
This is my first Reddit post but I’m really frustrated and trying to understand if anyone else has gone through a similar situation with surgery funding.
To explain my situation -I first visited my GP once I noticed the blockage in my nose in May 2025. Was told I had to do 3 months of steriod nasal stray before ENT referall. I was officially referred in September 2025, and got an appointment in February 2026. I was then booked for a CT scan in March, and the ENT consultant confirmed surgery in April 2026. Since then I have been on the surgery waitlist. In October 2026, I emailed my hospital asking for any further information with waitlist times and I was told my FESS surgery needs to be approved by the Hampshire ICB board and funding granted before I can receive a surgery date.
I’m struggling to understand why this needs another approval stage. My ENT consultant has examined me, reviewed my CT scan and decided that surgery is necessary. I’ve already waited around 17 months since first going to my GP, and 6 months since the decision for surgery.
I understand that NHS resources are limited, and I’m not trying to jump the queue. I have been trying to research online the estimated waiting times for funding approval decisions but there is very limited information.
Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
r/nhs • u/laaldiggaj • 1d ago
I'm thinking they could get a comment about a lump and then reply back oh that's definitely ABC. I have an idea but
Sometimes just general advice can be ignored but a lot of people are online so they may pay heed to a short video because it's on Facebook
r/nhs • u/runawayzing • 2d ago
This may seem like a really stupid question but i have bad anxiety about this type of thing for some reason. Because it’s the weekend, will they not call me until monday now? Is it worth putting in another request or calling again? I generally never go to the GP unless i desperately need to so this may be a very common occurrence, which is fine i would just like to know what to expect.
any advice helps thankyou!
r/nhs • u/summie12345 • 1d ago
I(33F) was recently injured and the injury was a little deep. Speaking to the clinician, GP and asked them about tetanus, they said not to get it.
But I see that it is recommended that Adults get a tetanus shot every 10 years. I haven’t had one since i was a child and I see that other countries(including my home county) use opportunities like this to get Tetanus booster for Adults. But why does NHS seem to be dissuading people from this? Is it a cost thing?
r/nhs • u/OfficialSkin • 2d ago
(Not sure if this really counts as a complaint as it's more a concern, but this was the best fitting tag). I have searched this everywhere and only saw one one other reddit thread of someone who had this experience.
I'm a woman in a wheelchair with very limited mobility and had a spine x-ray over a year ago where they made me change into the hospital gown inside the X ray room, whilst three clinicians, all women (not sure if they were radiographers or what, one of them did the actual x-ray) kinda stood there watching me change awkwardly.
I felt pressured into changing quickly to get it over with, but I really wish they had let me do it in a cubicle where I am comfortable and can take my time slowly without causing myself pain or injury (which is what happened, I was in agony from forcing myself to change quickly because it felt humiliating and embarrassing with them stood there). They seemed in a hurry too, they asked if I wanted help but I didn't, so I felt bad asking for a cubicle and I wasn't sure if there even was one available that would fit my wheelchair or if I would be holding them up further as they seemed keen to just do the x-ray and I was expecting that they would let me keep my clothes on as I had no metal on me.
I was asked to do another spine x-ray at a different hospital, and as you can probably imagine, I simply don't want to go to the appointment. The whole previous experience has put me off.
I am not sure if this is the protocol at all hospitals for disabled patients or the what is normal with limited mobility patients and changing into hospital gowns. At no point did anyone ask me if I wanted a booth or privacy, they just handed me the gown and made me change in front of them... I am able to change by myself etc., it just takes me a very long time, usually, and I don't like being pressured or put on the spot like that.
r/nhs • u/ComfortableCut1365 • 3d ago
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice and a bit of a reality check. I’ve just submitted a formal complaint to my practice manager, but I’m feeling incredibly frustrated about how a Senior GP Partner treated me, and how it’s been written up in my official medical records.
I was having a follow up appointment with a GP . During our consultation, we were discussing the next necessary course of action, which she had previously indicated should be an endoscopy. To progress this, she brought a Senior GP into the room for a second opinion.
The moment he walked in, his attitude was completely dismissive and condescending. Regarding the endoscopy, he bluntly said, "I don't even know why you want one, they're terrible." He also claimed that the surgery "doesn't treat digestive issues”, which I know is factually incorrect for primary care.
When I tried to explain that the prescribed medication was giving me chest pains, he told me I should "just tolerate the side effects". To make matters worse, while I was mid sentence trying to speak, he physically turned his back on me and started talking over me to his colleague. Right at the very end of the appointment, he dismissively told me to "go watch a video on the procedure and then tell me whether you want one," and then he just walked off out of the room. I was left feeling totally belittled and bullied by a senior professional.
I checked my NHS app today to see what they wrote in my medical notes, and I honestly feel sick. The notes say: "discussed with [senior doctors name], who kindly explained..."
There was absolutely nothing "kind" about how he spoke to me or treated me. I felt entirely intimidated and spoken down to by a senior doctor while his colleague watched. Infact she, even apologised to me after the senior GP left because she could see that I was on the verge of tears.
I understand that endoscopies might not be a pleasant experience, but how am I supposed to know that? Surely there’s a professional and nicer way to explain it to a patient.
How do I go about challenging this or making sure the practice manager knows the word "kindly" is a complete fabrication?
r/nhs • u/Automatic_Gear_7972 • 3d ago
I got a job as a band 3 technician in decontamination services for the NHS. I have a BSc in biomed and have applied for dozens of lab jobs, NHS and non-NHS, not even a single interview.
MLA jobs in the NHS were limited and posts wouldn’t be up for long as they receive so many applicants. In the end i just lacked experience as I didn’t do a placement, i got my CV checked too so im not sure if that was the issue.
I was just wondering if it is realistic to move from decontamination services after 1 year or so to a role more relevant to my biomed degree?
r/nhs • u/laurendelrey143 • 2d ago
Hello! I recently got invited to interview for the position of Information Governance Clerk, primarily within the Access To Information team.
Has anyone done this role or similar before? Is it a case of submitting medical records requests for patients and / or higher bodies such as the police / solicitors / government etc?
Any examples would be welcomed! Thank you!
r/nhs • u/pineapples-x • 2d ago
I have just been referred to the Flok Health app after waiting over 18 weeks since my MRI for physiotherapy, only to find out they have referred me to an app.
Unsurprisingly, I am quite disappointed and angry about this, especially after waiting this long, only to get an AI app rather than a real person.
In my opinion, this app should be given to people during their wait for an in-person appointment, not as a replacement. I am usually all for the use of AI, but for things like this regarding health, I do not believe it should be used.
Has anyone had the disappointing pleasure of using the Flok Health app? What are your opinions, and have you found it to be useful?
I am interested to hear people's thoughts and opinions.
TIA x
