Ward clerks call the shots

Warwick Hospital ward clerk Allison Bartley at her desk in Hanlon Ward.

They are the people who are fondly referred to as ‘the real boss of the ward’ in most hospitals, and when you consider what constitutes a day in the life of a ward clerk it is easy to see why.
Hanlon Ward clerk Allison Bartley is one of two ward clerks at Warwick Hospital along with Phillips Ward clerk Kylie Campbell.
Allison’s work day begins at 6.30am with theatre admissions, followed by a long list of ‘whatever needs to be done’ as the go-to person for general information and assistance.
This can include patient chart maintenance, registering newborn babies, assisting staff to organise patient transfers, helping patients and their families with everything from education to transportation, taking meeting minutes, assisting the nurse unit manager with quotes and repairs, and even fixing the printer.
Warwick Hospital director of Nursing Anita Bolton said the role of ward clerk required excellent time management, communication and multi-tasking skills.
“Allison and our other ward clerk, Kylie, are all highly respected and appreciated by their colleagues for the high volume and quality of work they do on the wards every day,” Ms Bolton said.
“Our ward clerks provide an invaluable support service to our nurses as well as our patients and their families and friends.”
Allison says she enjoys the variety of work she does as a ward clerk and the fast pace of the job.
“I find it very rewarding to provide a helpful service to Warwick Hospital staff and patients,” she said.
“I really enjoy being part of a team that makes a real difference in the lives of other people on a day-to-day basis and going home knowing I have done a good job, it makes me feel like I do meaningful work.”