Overseas Visitor Officer

The Overseas Visitors Officer is responsible for ensuring the Trust complies with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Overseas Visitor Regulations by accurately identifying patients who are not ordinarily resident in the UK and determining their eligibility for NHS-funded care. Acting as a subject-matter expert, the postholder conducts sensitive patient interviews, reviews immigration and residency evidence, liaises with internal and external stakeholders, and applies Trust policy with a high degree of autonomy.

The role plays a critical part in maximising income recovery by ensuring correct charging, timely invoicing, and effective debt recovery for overseas patients, while maintaining a compassionate, professional approach to patient care. The postholder provides advice and guidance to clinical and corporate teams, supports financial processes, supervises junior staff, and deputises for management when required.

This role requires strong knowledge of regulations, excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a complex and often emotionally challenging healthcare environment, always upholding Trust policies, confidentiality, and a high standard of patient experience.

Please note: Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites., The postholder acts as a key point of contact for Trust staff, providing specialist advice on the application of DHSC guidelines and Trust policy relating to Overseas Visitors. Working with a high level of autonomy, the role focuses on identifying patients who may not be ordinarily resident in the UK and determining their eligibility for NHS treatment and charging.

This includes proactively reviewing hospital systems, outpatient referrals, GP letters, and patient pathways to identify potential overseas visitors early. The postholder conducts patient interviews, reviews documentation (including visas), and liaises with external agencies such as the Home Office to establish status.

Accurate record-keeping is essential, ensuring all decisions and supporting evidence are documented to meet audit and compliance requirements. The postholder communicates outcomes sensitively to patients and relatives, including advising on treatment costs and charging status.

The role supports income generation through raising cost estimates and invoices with clinical teams, securing deposits where required, and ensuring timely billing and payment collection. It also involves liaising with insurance companies and supporting debt recovery alongside the Accounts Receivable team.

In addition, the postholder contributes to service development by supporting the creation and update of procedures and guidance to improve identification and management of Overseas Visitors across the Trust.

Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.

We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.