NHS Admin (CAMHS) to Medical Secretary (also CAMHS). Advice please

[dietdodger]

I'm employed by the NHS in a Band 3 admin role for my local CAMHS unit. I've been in the role approx 6 months.

Prior to this, I was working for the same NHS Trust in a Band 4 (Admin Lead) role but left that after approx 10 months because of travel issues (I don't drive and couldn't get there by public transport so had to rely on taxis).

So I have some quite solid and Band 4 experience under my belt.

Today I heard that a Band 4 Med Sec role is coming up at the CAMHS unit where I've been working for the last 6 months.

I've never actually done a Med Sec role before but I'm comfortable with the work it would entail. I'm a good typist and have all the usual skills that would be expected for such a role. Just not formal experience of Med Sec work... Although I should add that a bit part of my current Band 3 role involves diary-based work and typing of letters etc.

Would it be worth my while in applying for the Med Sec role? Wouldn't want to waste anybody's time if years of experience as a Med Sec would be required.

NHS senior manager here, I would call the recruiting manager and have a chat with them. Also look at the person specification (before you call), if you meet the essential criteria you should be shortlisted for interview.

I was a camhs med sec at one point (and now a senior manager in a different NHS area). Absolutely can’t see why you wouldn’t be suitable, but as previous poster says always good to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager once it’s advertised.