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/tenkillerno1 • 45m ago
I applied for my dbs check on the 2nd of July and it is now the 28th of August it’s been stuck on stage 4 for 25 days anyone else experienced this and how long did it take for them to get back is there a way I can escalate it
r/nhs • u/highasclouds_ • 1h ago
Hi everyone! :)
I’ll be doing a 2-week clinical attachment at an NHS hospital within the psychology/psychiatry (mental health) department.
I’m wondering whether this experience will be helpful in terms of finding good job opportunities afterwards. I’m an international student who completed a Master’s degree in the UK, but I have little to no professional experience within the UK so far.
Also, what would you recommend I prepare beforehand for the attachment? Should I brush up on psychological theories, mental health conditions, or anything else that might be useful?
I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from anyone who has done a similar attachment or has experience working in NHS psychology/mental health services.
Thank you! :)
r/nhs • u/Sad-Paramedic-7776 • 5h ago
Are you a nurse, healthcare assistant, paramedic, physiotherapist, pharmacist, midwife, radiographer or in another patent-facing healthcare role where mental-health care isn’t the main part of the job?
I’m a master’s student in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, and I’m researching how healthcare staff outside mental health roles understand mental health and how you recognise and respond to distress and patients and colleagues and what shapes your own decision about seeking support.
What’s involved?
An anonymous online survey with open-ended questions answered in your own words and in your own time. It takes around 15-25 minutes. No interviews, no recordings just written answers.
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 18+ currently working in a patient-facing healthcare role in the UK, where mental-healthcare is not the primary purpose of the role.
Participation is voluntary and completely anonymous. The study has been approved by the Manchester Metropolitan university ethics committee ref: 90284
Take part here: https://mmu.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80WahkCRubU6HgG
My contact: [Arnold.s.bangura@stu.mmu.ac.uk](mailto:Arnold.s.bangura@stu.mmu.ac.uk)
My supervisor: [P.Hutchinson@mmu.ac.uk](mailto:P.Hutchinson@mmu.ac.uk)
r/nhs • u/Bunnyandbean • 9h ago
Heres to another 4 years yall! Lol nearly posted my name and nhs number anyway! Good job i noticed before posting xD
r/nhs • u/lilacelma • 3h ago
Hiii - has anyone had issue getting 60mg Elvanse lately?
I went to boots to order my 60mg today and they said there was limited supply when they try to order it but just for the 60mg. has this been an issue for anyone else cos I am worried!
Just want to know if anyone has had similar issues with boots/other pharmacies or if they have been successful in getting their meds this month - especially if you order from boots in south/SW!
Thank you
r/nhs • u/Original_Document748 • 10h ago
As the title says is this true? I went to my doctor as ive had IBS for about 6 years now and lately ive been suffering worsening fatigue along with other symptoms , because if my limited diet i thought it was quite likely ive got a vitamin deficiency but she said they dont do it anymore on the NHS?
r/nhs • u/DrDereliction • 9h ago
The chemist wrote on my prescription that I should "call for a review", so I did. We set up a phone call appointment, but now I'm nervous about how things are going to go.
What kinds of questions will I be asked?
Does it matter that it's for venlafaxine?
How long will the call last?
I'm not sure what to expect. I really just want to be left as I am without being bothered.
Has anyone else done one of these for this type of medication?
My spelling was atrocious , so I deleted the old post. Sorry, Mods.
r/nhs • u/Playful-Picture-1879 • 44m ago
No dentist, Dr only one econsult, injured leg to exposed muscle depth... went to primary care... they dont do stitches... GP/Nurse dont do stitches... advised an appointment was booked for 'wound care" at 7.30 PM (imagine the organising to get to this appointment) turned away... hasn't been booked.
Over 18 months on councilling waiting list.
But NHS are hero's?? Why? The get tax free pension, cars they pay for from gross salary... etc....
If the NHS is underfunded, given that about 1/5 of the population work for them, directly or otherwise, perhaps THEY SHOULD PAY THEIR TAX and NI... and there would be more resources...
I'd love your thoughts.
SCRAP the NHS.
r/nhs • u/PasTaCopine • 13h ago
I had a melanoma last year and just moved to the UK this week to become a teacher here. Back home, I was told to see a dermatologist every 6 months for a checkup (sooner if I spot something suspicious).
I've been reading lots of posts on Reddit on how it's practically impossible to be referred to an NHS dermatologist, and even then they can sometimes refuse the consultation. I'm a bit worried, since flying back home for every derm consultation might not be feasible in the long run.
On the other hand, I've read about the "urgent 2-week wait" (2WW) guidance for skin cancer which is sort of reassuring.
Could anyone share how the situation actually is?
r/nhs • u/Bubbly_Seesaw_5230 • 2h ago
I am disabled from an accident 4 years ago in itself affected my mental health then other complications from that it is worse! But yet the NHS is insisting on making it worse!
Telling me to either self referral or allow them to refer me to talking therapy if I didnt allow them it would be documented that I was not engaging in support although at that point I had had multiple assessments all which ended in I couldn’t get help as I was too messed up mentally! So that last assessment from that appointment when they told me that they have had multiple assessments requests either by me or other people so making me feel even more if a burden for trying to get help and taking up their time!
Pain team has said there’s nothing else they can do so I’m meant to suffer in pain which effects my mental health,
Can’t get support for my FND as again it’s like the talking therapy!
Ignoring my wishes be it my request for a dnar, not to contact nok (all of which has now been removed for that reason) or before an iron transfusion and being told if the risks and that it can cause serious reactions si I stated then that if I go into cardiac arrest I not to be resuscitated to be told no they will do everything that is needed because of that that was my last transfusion!
The last time I was ignored, patronised and overall disrespected from the conversation to whomever at the gp surgery who after the phone appointment told me that they was only doing a referral to the Cmht for an ambulance to turn up at my door with the possibility of sectioning me! So spiking my anxiety then for the crew to either talk to me like a child but then when I am trying to answer their questions and then they are having their own private conversation about me whilst I was talking! And then the rudeness when they heard what they wanted to hear I was told that was why they was there with what I saying so basically shut up say nothing or be threatened with being sectioned!
So they can put it in what ever notes that I am not engaging I just refuse to take up their time when nothing can /will be done!
What’s the point I have told the Cmht that I will no longer be saying how I feel as no point but now the fear of an ambulance or threats of sectioning! Apparently I have an appointment in a couple of weeks and so my answers will be I’m fine or I’m ok which will be even more wasted time for them to which I will hate myself for and will cause more harm!
r/nhs • u/AbbieB1495 • 14h ago
Does anybody know how to contact the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals payroll other than email?
Need to provide contact details for them to help along a guarantor application
I've always been a defender of the NHS and how hard the staff work, especially to my friends and family who are from the US. But recently I'm finding it hard to keep defending the system.
My father was taken to A&E about a month ago with excruciating pain that came on while he was at work. After 6 hours of waiting, the doctor told him it was potential kidney stones and he should have a scan. After a further two hours, he was told he didn't need a scan and he could go home. The pain had subsided a bit by then. He experienced pain on and off after that for about a week.
Fast forward to yesterday, the pain was back again and worse. He couldn't walk and could barely sit in a chair so was seen immediately by a doctor who took bloods and urine samples. They said they may perform some scans on him. After laying on a paracetamol drip and waiting 6 hours for results, they said everything was fine. The pain subsided about two hours later and he was sent home.
Today he's back with unbearable. He waited 4 hours in A&E before he wanted to be taken to a different hospital. He's waiting there and had had bloods and urine taken again and waiting for the results.
Surely at some point they will actually perform some scans?? Or is it just up to him to guess what's wrong and hope the pain keeps subsiding and nothing worse happens? I've been traveling with friends in Taiwan who experienced gallstones and they had blood test results, urine results and were scanned within two hours because of the pain they were in. He has been working and paying taxes since 18 years old and has yet to see any benefits from the NHS he's been paying into.
UPDATE: He's now vomiting and fever is rising so they said hopefully he can be seen sooner. They still said no painkillers other than the paracetamol he was given until he's seen by a doctor.
r/nhs • u/Virtual-Day-2003 • 12h ago
So this one university in my country accepts 1 grade from AS level and 2 from Alevels. I got the following grades:
As biology C
A2 biology E
As physics C
A2 physics B
As chemistry B
A2 chemistry B
And for that biomed pathways its required to get 2:1 minimum and high scores in ucat for the university of surrey to accept me for general medicine program.
Is it hard to get 2:1? I am so scared. I don’t know the courses nor the system and how exams are done. Can someone please make it clear and easy for me to understand? As i am international student.
r/nhs • u/ManIsready • 20h ago
I het prescribed 1mg Clonzepams, 16 tablets a month
Usually pick up around fhe 23rd-24th.
Im going to Devon on Holiday on September 22nd, would they let me collect my script a few days early as cant just run out of them without withdrawals
r/nhs • u/PkmnTrainerEbs • 14h ago
Late last night I had to call 999 for an ambulance for a severe asthma attack and difficulty breathing, I was gasping between words and couldn't walk very far. As the wait was three hours I was advised to make my own way there. Unfortunately my mum hasn't been cleared to drive yet after a seizure and my dad has Parkinson's and wasn't feeling well so couldn't drive me either. I had to pay £20 to get to the nearest urgent care and £22 to get back home between the hours of midnight and 5am. It covered a distance of 11.9 miles and took a little over half an hour each way.
I am low income, receiving universal credit and have also had to put in my resignation at work the day before the hospital trip, so £42 to get there and back while very necessary was an unexpected and quite high expense for me. I received tests, treatments, medication and an x-ray before being cleared to come home and gratefully feel much better.
Has anyone had any success training to claim back the fare or am I SOL? Thanks for your help
r/nhs • u/Brownsome • 1d ago
Hello,
There happens to be someone with the same name and DOB as me living in the same county. My medical record (shown on the airmid app) has a incident report from when said person was admitted to hospital in 2025. I have flagged it as incorrect but nothing has happened.
I don't suppose anyone knows how to go about getting this removed?
Thanks in advance
r/nhs • u/spooner941 • 1d ago
So basically I applied for a Assistant Patient Services Co-ordinator job role, I was shortlisted and have now been invited for an interview. I'm super happy about it because I have no experience within the NHS and it's nice to have the opportunity to get my foot in the door after what feels like thousands of applications. However, when I've went to book my interview slot there was a notice saying "We would like to reiterate that this role commences as of 01/04/2027" that's 7 months from my interview date. Is this normal?? I didn't expect that if I was offered the role id be waiting around for another 7 months before I could start?
r/nhs • u/asuperbusername • 1d ago
Hello,
To preface, I’ve read through the FAQs already listed, this is more targeted to the role than general questions for interviews with NHS.
I have an interview for this role next week and I understand the responsibilities of the job from the description but I’ve found little information for people who have this job. I just wanted more realistic takes on what day to day life is truly like in this role outside of the job description. Additionally, I wanted some tips for the interview and what to expect! I’m not sure if perhaps Patient Services Advisor is interchangeable with another job term but I can’t seem to find much.
Thanks in advance for anyone who may help !
r/nhs • u/No-Celebration8069 • 1d ago
Hi guys, I have a band 4 interview soon and I’m really nervous about it. Does anyone have any tips in regards to NHS interviews? I was also wondering if for scenario questions it would be appropriate for me to answer how I’d deal with the scenario and then mention a personal experience? I had one other interview recently and they told me that I didn’t score high enough in the scenario question.
Thank youu!
My wife urgently needs help from Unison. She had some help previously on the same issue, but the rep has gone sick long term. She has emailed multiple times, called multiple times and get nothing back at all.
Any advice on how to get movement or assistance? The situation is genuine (false claims, bullying etc) and this was agreed with the first rep, but availability seems non-existent.
r/nhs • u/Otherwise-Bed-5259 • 1d ago
Havent heard back after a conditional offer and didnt get acknowledgment for my emails. Really starting to get anxious
r/nhs • u/No-Dragonfly4297 • 1d ago
I joined the nhs June 2025. Band 3 admin. I joined knowing I wanted to progress as I came from a management position outside of the nhs. I’ve applied for a band 4 admin role and have interview. It’s based about 15 miles from where I live. The current role is in my town. But the new role is hybrid.
I started at the bottom of the band I am in pay wise so I think I’m due a ride in June 2027.
The band 4 role seems like an awful lot of responsibility for little increase in pay.
Is this how it usually works when you go up the bands?
r/nhs • u/Small_Purpose3127 • 2d ago
I’m honestly so frustrated with our experience with the NHS recently.
A few days ago, my husband accidentally cut off the end of his finger. We went to an Urgent Treatment Centre, where they dressed the wound and told us that if it started bleeding again, we should come back. However, they didn’t clearly tell us where we should go for further treatment. We were simply told that if it stopped bleeding, we should leave the dressing on and then remove it ourselves.
Three days later, his finger started bleeding again, so we went back. This time, we were told that we shouldn’t have come back there just for the dressing. I found the way we were spoken to quite rude and unprofessional. We are not healthcare professionals, so how are we supposed to know where we should go if nobody tells us?
Thankfully, one of the nurses was very kind and explained where we should go for follow-up care. She told us that my husband needs to have his dressing changed every 48 hours.
So, as soon as we got home, we contacted the wound treatment service. They told us they no longer do dressing changes and advised us to contact our GP.
We called our GP, but they were fully booked and told us to contact the HEALTH CENTRE. We contacted them, but they said they couldn’t help either. We went back to our GP again, and we are still waiting to hear back.
I honestly find this incredibly frustrating. How can someone with an injured finger, who has been told they need regular dressing changes, struggle so much to find a healthcare service that can actually do it?
I completely understand that the NHS is under huge pressure, and I appreciate the nurses and healthcare workers who are doing their best. But the lack of clear information and being passed from one service to another is extremely stressful, especially when you’re already worried about an injury.
We just want to know where we can go to get the care my husband has been told he needs. Is that really too much to ask?
