Close Farm Surgery

Practice Receptionist

The closing date is 20 July 2025

Job summary

An opportunity has arisen for new receptionist to join our surgery team. The role involves being the first point of contact for most of our patients; answering the telephone, booking appointments, giving out test results, registering new patients, monitoring the practices e-mail and eConsults accounts and arranging home visit. As we have a range of healthcare professions who work within the surgery, receptionists are trained to signpost patients to the appropriate healthcare option for their need using practice established protocols.

We have a lovely team of receptionists and are looking for someone to work a total of 25.75 hours on the following days/times:

Tuesday & Thursday 7.45am- 6.30pm and Friday from 7.45am 1.00pm

This is a busy role however training and support will be given to help you grow and develop. We offer a competitive hourly rate of pay, inclusion in the NHS pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme, free parking, staff wellbeing initiatives, education and training afternoons and a kind and caring team to work with.

Pay £12.21 per hour increasing upon successful completion of 3-month training and probationary period.

Our closing date is Sunday 20th July 2025 with interviews planned for Tuesday 29th July. However, if we receive enough suitable applications, we may close the advert early and offer an earlier interview date.

Main duties of the job

To provide a high standard of care to our patient in helping them to access the most appropriate service or healthcare professional.

Act as a central point of contact for our patients either by telephone or in person to mainly, but not limited to, arranging appointments, home visits or give out results.

To help the clinical team responding to tasks sent to contact patients and arrange follow up appointments.

Assist the practice with the management of the eConsults system ensuring patients are dealt with in a timely manner.

Work within the reception team to undertake admin work as requested by the clinical team, Practice Manager or Assistant Practice Manager.

About us

We are a small semi-rural practice with a growing population of 7,400 registered patients and our boundary area mainly covers the villages of North Common, Oldland Common, Cadbury Heath, Warmley, Longwell Green, Willsbridge, and up to Bitton. We have a team of clinical GP and nursing staff as well as a Practice Manager, Assistant Practice Manager and admin support staff.

Our practice ethos is very much based around continuity of care, support of staff well being and good team working. We are proud to say that two years ago we were rated second in Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire in the National Patient Satisfaction Survey. This is down to the hard work of the entire practice team. We have a team of fantastic and dedicated staff who complement each other in their knowledge, skills, and experience.

We operate from a converted farmhouse in the village of North Common which has plenty of free parking for staff. We are fortunate to have a lovely garden at the front of the practice so in the summer we often have lunch outside. All consulting rooms are situated on the ground floor and there is a small dispensary next to reception. Upstairs houses admin rooms, the staff room and kitchen, plus a room for meetings and training. Patients are encouraged to see their named GP and are offered a mix of same-day and pre-bookable face to face appointments or telephone consultations with our multi-disciplinary team which includes a physiotherapist and pharmacist.

Details

Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A0754-25-0003

Job locations

47 Victoria Road

Warmley

Bristol

BS30 5JZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job purpose:

Offer admin assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone

Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way, either in person or via the telephone

Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies

Job responsibilities:

Ensure patient and practice confidentiality is maintained at all times as laid down in your Contract of Employment

Receive and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery to members of the clinical and non-clinical team

Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments as appropriate on either an urgent or routine basis either in person or on the telephone

Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice at all times

Explain practice registration arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary assistance and ensure all necessary forms are completed

Register patients on the clinical records system

Register patients for on-line access

Assists with the photocopying of clinical records under the direction of the practice secretaries

Receive and accurately record requests for home visits contacting local visiting services on clinical instructions

Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts

Manage the eConsults coming into the practice

Assist with the management of the practices main e-mail account

Hand out signed prescriptions to patients or their nominated representatives ensuring collection details are accurately recorded in the medical records

Hand out dispensed medication, taking payment where appropriate and ensuring prescription forms are completed appropriately by the patient

Open and record post received both internally and externally

Answer and respond to admin/practice notes from clinicians and non-clinical colleagues contacting patients where appropriate

Assist colleagues in rearranging clinics when appropriate

Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Partners, Practice Manager or Assistant Practice Manager

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately

In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential

Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data

Health & Safety:

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines

identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks

Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills

Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards

Reporting potential risks identified

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Personal/Professional Development:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work.

Complete on-line training provided by the practice on all appropriate topics

Quality:

The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will:

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance

Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs

Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.

Communication:

The post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and other practice team members

Communicate effectively with patients and carers

Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The post-holder will:

Apply practice policies, standards and guidance

Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work

Participate in audits where appropriate

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job purpose:

Offer admin assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone

Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way, either in person or via the telephone

Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies

Job responsibilities:

Ensure patient and practice confidentiality is maintained at all times as laid down in your Contract of Employment

Receive and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery to members of the clinical and non-clinical team

Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments as appropriate on either an urgent or routine basis either in person or on the telephone

Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice at all times

Explain practice registration arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary assistance and ensure all necessary forms are completed

Register patients on the clinical records system

Register patients for on-line access

Assists with the photocopying of clinical records under the direction of the practice secretaries

Receive and accurately record requests for home visits contacting local visiting services on clinical instructions

Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts

Manage the eConsults coming into the practice

Assist with the management of the practices main e-mail account

Hand out signed prescriptions to patients or their nominated representatives ensuring collection details are accurately recorded in the medical records

Hand out dispensed medication, taking payment where appropriate and ensuring prescription forms are completed appropriately by the patient

Open and record post received both internally and externally

Answer and respond to admin/practice notes from clinicians and non-clinical colleagues contacting patients where appropriate

Assist colleagues in rearranging clinics when appropriate

Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Partners, Practice Manager or Assistant Practice Manager

Confidentiality:

In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately

In the performance of the duties outlined in this Job Description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential

Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data

Health & Safety:

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

Using personal security systems within the workplace according to practice guidelines

identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks

Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills

Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards

Reporting potential risks identified

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Personal/Professional Development:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment, such training to include:

Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work.

Complete on-line training provided by the practice on all appropriate topics

Quality:

The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will:

Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance

Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs

Effectively manage own time, workload and resources.

Communication:

The post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

Communicate effectively with colleagues and other practice team members

Communicate effectively with patients and carers

Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The post-holder will:

Apply practice policies, standards and guidance

Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work

Participate in audits where appropriate

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Essential:
  • - A kind, caring and calm nature
  • - The ability to work extra hours to cover holidays and sickness
  • - Computer literate (Microsoft Office, email and bespoke software)
  • - Experience of dealing with members of the public in person or over the telephone
  • - Ability to work under pressure
  • - Good standard of education including GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths
  • - Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • - Experience of working in a team
  • - Able to organise own workload and take a flexible approach
  • - Ability to work on own initiative, be self-motivated with a can-do attitude
  • - Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
  • - Awareness of cultural and social influences on health and the importance of respecting diversity, differences and equality

Desirable

  • Desirable:
  • - Previous experience of NHS or General Practice setting
  • - Knowledge of EMIS Web Clinical IT system
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • Essential:
  • - A kind, caring and calm nature
  • - The ability to work extra hours to cover holidays and sickness
  • - Computer literate (Microsoft Office, email and bespoke software)
  • - Experience of dealing with members of the public in person or over the telephone
  • - Ability to work under pressure
  • - Good standard of education including GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths
  • - Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • - Experience of working in a team
  • - Able to organise own workload and take a flexible approach
  • - Ability to work on own initiative, be self-motivated with a can-do attitude
  • - Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information
  • - Awareness of cultural and social influences on health and the importance of respecting diversity, differences and equality

Desirable

  • Desirable:
  • - Previous experience of NHS or General Practice setting
  • - Knowledge of EMIS Web Clinical IT system

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Close Farm Surgery

Address

47 Victoria Road

Warmley

Bristol

BS30 5JZ


Employer's website

https://www.closefarmsurgery.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Close Farm Surgery

Address

47 Victoria Road

Warmley

Bristol

BS30 5JZ


Employer's website

https://www.closefarmsurgery.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Assistant Practice Manager

Jennifer Lumsden

jenniferlumsden@nhs.net

01179321320

Details

Date posted

03 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£12.21 an hour

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A0754-25-0003

Job locations

47 Victoria Road

Warmley

Bristol

BS30 5JZ


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