How To Become a 111 Clinical Advisor?

14 October 2024 By Michael Bowyer

​​If You’re Considering a Rewarding Career in Healthcare, Becoming a 111 Clinical Advisor Could Be a Perfect Fit. This role allows you to make a meaningful impact by providing crucial medical advice to patients during times of need. At Medical Staffing, we specialise in connecting healthcare professionals with fulfilling opportunities. This guide will walk you through the qualifications, training, and essential skills required to excel as a 111 Clinical Advisor, ensuring you’re fully informed about this career path.

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What Is a 111 Clinical Advisor?

The NHS 111 service is a non-emergency helpline designed to provide urgent medical advice and support. Clinical Advisors play a pivotal role in this service by offering expert guidance to patients, triaging calls, and directing individuals to the appropriate level of care. You’ll work within a multidisciplinary team, often collaborating with non-clinical staff and other healthcare professionals.

This role is highly valued within the NHS, and the demand for qualified Clinical Advisors is increasing, making it an excellent career choice for healthcare professionals seeking new challenges.

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Qualifications and Requirements

Professional Background

Clinical Experience

  • At least two years of post-registration clinical experience is usually required. This ensures that you have the practical knowledge needed to assess and manage a wide range of patient scenarios.

Essential Skills

  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.

  • Ability to work under pressure and manage calls efficiently.

  • Competence in using clinical decision-support software (training is provided, but prior familiarity is an advantage).

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Training for 111 Clinical Advisors

Once you secure a position, you’ll undergo comprehensive training provided by the employer. This usually includes:

  1. Induction and Classroom Training
    Covering topics such as NHS Pathways (the clinical decision-support system used for 111 calls), patient care guidelines, and communication strategies.

  2. Practical Training
    Shadowing experienced Clinical Advisors to gain hands-on experience in managing live calls.

  3. Assessment and Competency Testing
    Employers will assess your ability to apply the training in real-world scenarios. Regular evaluations ensure you maintain the high standards expected of the role.

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Work Environment and Shift Patterns

The 111 Clinical Advisor role is typically based in NHS call centres or remote-working setups, depending on the employer. Expect a mix of day, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. Flexibility is key, but many organisations offer part-time and full-time options to suit various lifestyles.

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Benefits of Becoming a 111 Clinical Advisor

This role offers unique advantages, including:

  • Job Satisfaction: Helping individuals in urgent situations can be deeply rewarding.

  • Skill Development: Build expertise in triage, clinical decision-making, and communication.

  • Career Progression: Many Clinical Advisors move into leadership roles, education, or other specialised NHS roles.

  • Flexible Opportunities: Options for locum work or remote working provide excellent work-life balance.

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How Medical Staffing Can Help

At Medical Staffing, we’re committed to helping you achieve your career goals. We specialise in placing healthcare professionals in roles that match their skills and ambitions. Our team offers personalised support, from CV optimisation to interview preparation and guidance through compliance requirements. Whether you’re seeking a permanent position or flexible locum shifts, we can help you find the ideal 111 Clinical Advisor role.

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Take the First Step Today

If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling journey as a 111 Clinical Advisor, contact Medical Staffing today. Our dedicated recruitment consultants will guide you through the process and connect you with the best opportunities in the NHS and private sectors.

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