AGENDA FOR CHANGE
NHS JOB EVALUATION SCHEME
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title: Data Analyst
Reports to (insert job title): Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst
Department, Ward or Section: eHealth Services Information Services
CHP, Directorate or Corporate Department: Corporate Services - eHealth
Job Reference: CSEHTHRAIGINFO06
No of Job Holders: 3
Last Update (insert date): 1st February 2013
2. JOB PURPOSE
To provide a data analysis and statistical service including the compilation and timely presentation of
statistics and reports from the eHealth Data Repository for NHS Highland.
To assist the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst to build databases, queries, reports from
the eHealth Data Repository using SQL Server 2008.
To participate in the production of routine and adhoc report development for Corporate and Clinical
users.
Provide information to External suppliers, consultants, Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.
3. DIMENSIONS
The post holder does not manage any staff and does not have budgetary responsibilities.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
Head of eHealth
Head of eHealth Business
Intelligence and
Information Management
Senior Information Officer
x2
Data Warehouse/Business
Intelligence Analyst
CHI Administrator
Data Analyst
** This post **
x3
Clinical Applications
Manager
Clinical Applications
Officer
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
To provide an Information Management Service, as a function within the Clinical Information Services of
the eHealth function to the managed services (Raigmore, Corporate Services, CHPs) components of
NHS Highland in order to support NHS Highland’s clinical, diagnostic and business functions in a timely,
robust, safe and secure manner.
The services provided include:



Collection and validation of activity and waiting times data
Submission of such data to Information & Statistics Division of NHS Scotland.
Provision of summarised activity and waiting data to NHS Highland employees
Analysis and reporting of activity and waiting times data
The eHealth Department is described as the development, application and implementation of technology
to improve effectiveness in healthcare. It includes the use of telemedicine and clinical systems used for
diagnosis and care pathways. It also applies to the policies and protocols that assure the confidentiality
and security of sensitive data and those aspects that support major change of working practice training, support and Organisational Development.
6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assisting the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst to build databases, queries, reports
from the eHealth Data Repository using SQL Server 2008.

Responsible for developing reports using SQL and to manage the production of these reports
ensuring the results are submitted timeously to the requestor.

Responsible for maintaining existing reports, and ensuring that the quality of the data is maintained
to the highest level.

Developing Ad hoc reports as requested. Dealing with complex information requests and identifying
requirements where required.

Responsible for extracting and maintaining data extracts from systems and using it to produce
statistical reports for NHS Highland.

Create report specifications and define user requirements. Create supporting documentation for
user acceptance testing.

Creating Request for change (RfC) when required and adhering to the change management policy.

Dealing with Freedom of Information requests whilst adhering the Freedom of Information Act 2000

Responsible for performing weekly data quality audits of hospital information systems and
distributing reports to relevant NHS staff

Responsible for identifying and developing the area of nurse-led clinics throughout NHS Highland
ensuring that the clinic criteria meet the national requirements and that the activity is timeously
submitted to the Information Services Division (ISD).

Responsible for maintaining a User Request log to register all ad hoc analysis requests, prioritising
and co-coordinating responses.

Responsible for keeping up-to-date procedures for the production of statistical reports, writing new
procedures as new reports are developed and training other members of the e-Health Information
team on their use.

Demonstrate reports, analysis work procedures to Corporate and Clinical users.

Responsible for the provision of complex statistical analysis and/or tabular or graphical data as
requested by Directorate General Managers/Senior Management and/or other authorised staff on
an ad hoc/regular basis.

Assisting Department of Clinical Effectiveness in the analysis of Clinical Audits.

Responsible for producing and validating hospital activity to assist the Patient Focused Booking
Service.

Participating in national data collection and reporting working groups, representing the interests of
NHS Highland when required

The post holder must act as an effective and responsible team member treating everyone with
whom she/he comes into contact with dignity and respect.

Adhering to Caldicott standards of Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act 2000

Deputise for the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst when required
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
Personal computer to undertake specialist and end-user, routine and complex manipulation and
processing of data.
7b. SYSTEMS
The post holder uses business systems such as MS Office, email, Internet and Intranet to access,
process and communicate operational and managerial information.
In addition, the post holder is required to use complex (non-end user) information analysis tools such as:
Crystal Reports, Business Objects, Patient Administration System and systems relating to the national
submission of activity and analysis of statistical data.
The post holder will be familiar with SQL language.
Frequently this information will be of a highly confidential and sensitive nature.
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post holder will provide support to the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst in the
production of a central Data Repository. The post holder is required to create reports as per user
requirements and meet demand.
Consultants, Directorate General Managers, Finance, Service Planning Department and other staff
within NHS Highland as well as other Health Authorities generate the adhoc requests for statistical
information. This constitutes the greater part of the post holder’s work - the post holder having
autonomy in deciding the priorities.
Information required by ISD may be generated from the Patient Management System or
Datawarehouse and is subject to rules and guidance set by the Information and Statistics Division of
the Health Service in Scotland. The post holder has to be able to interpret those rules and guidance.
Clarification, if required is given by the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst or Information
Services Manager.
The post holder will be expected to participate constructively in regular departmental team meetings,
raising issues and proposing ways in which the service might be enhanced.
The post holder is expected to undertake mandatory Health & Safety courses eg. Lifting & Handling,
Fire etc and adhere to NHS legislation, policies and procedures at all times.
Review of performance is undertaken by the agreement of performance objectives by individual
appraisal by the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst or in his/her absence by the Information
Services Manager.
The post holder will on occasions represent the Information Services Department by attending
meetings/events at local and national level.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The post holder is expected to collate, validate, analyse and disseminate data for statuary/local
purposes.
The post holder is expected when analysing all information to resolve discrepancies using own initiative
and experience and escalate to the Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst or Information
Services Manager as appropriate.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
Using specialist statistical knowledge to ascertain exactly what the user wants before developing the
necessarily robust analysis for reporting back with the required information.
To manage the often conflicting demands and deadlines of national and local service requests
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
 The post holder will be expected to have daily contact with the Information Manager,
Datawarehouse Business Intelligence Analyst and other members of the Information Services Team.
 Regular communications with other members of the eHealth teams.
 Liaise with Clinicians, Nurse Managers, Nursing Staff, Managers and Team Leaders across NHS
Highland either informally or at group meetings.
 Regular contact with Project Manager/s and Service Planning Department regarding statistical
information.
External

System suppliers and consultants
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
There are few physical demands of this post but requires long periods at VDU screens and use of
keyboards/mouse.
The post attracts a high degree of mental and emotional stress in that it demands extended
concentration; often frequently interrupted by face to face or telephone requests for urgent statistics
whilst working to immovable deadlines.
The post necessitates working in a multi-occupancy office which impacts on the ability to concentrate.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Degree or 5 years’ experience in an organisation with complex analysis and data reporting.
SQL Server database and system design.
SQL Reporting Services, Integration and Analysis services.
14. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT
I agree that the above Job Description is an accurate reflection of my duties and
responsibilities at the date of signing.
Job Holder’s Signature:
Date:
Manager’s Signature:
Date: