Medical Receptionist

Job responsibilities

Make appointments for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals using the practices clinical software system and in conjunction with practice protocols

Process messages for doctors, nurses and the wider primary health care team

Deal with enquiries from patients and other service providers, referring on to the appropriate member of the practice team when necessary

Recognise peoples need for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Retrieve and file manual patient records where necessary

Register new patients when required to do so, ensuring accurate completion of the associated documentation

Process monies received by patients for non-GMS services. (Private letters, holiday, Cancellation forms etc)

Log on to the practice generic email account and action the request as appropriate.

Process electronic and paper correspondence and requests sent by GPs, nurses and patients and respond or complete the request as appropriate. either by electronic message or email if unable to contact via phone.

Process, action and forward paperwork, prescription requests,Give general advice to patients where specifically requested by the partners and inline with written protocols.

Assist all visiting locum GPs as necessary, specifically ensuring that the consulting rooms/computers are ready for use

To ensure that patient records are kept up to date and information recorded accurately.

Ensure that the reception and administration area is secured at the end of every working day and ensure that the practice procedure for this is completed fully.

Skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Sound IT and keyboard skills.
• The ability to follow procedures and work to deadlines.
• Ability to handle situations of potential conflict.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Problem solving skills.

Experience

Essential

• At least two years experience of working in a public reception environment dealing with public/patients face-to-face and/or on the telephone.
• Practical experience of working within a multi disciplinary team.
• Practical experience of computerised recording systems.

Desirable

• Experience of working within primary care.

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education.
• Standard grade Mathematics or equivalent.
• Standard grade English or equivalent.

Desirable

• Qualification in customer service.

Qualities and Attributes

Essential

• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
• A tolerant, patient and empathetic attitude.
• Ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness and common sense.
• A commitment to team working.
• Flexible approach to working.
• Enthusiasm and positive attitude.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Able to work in a changing environment.
• Able to use own initiative.
• Commitment to personal development.

Other

Essential

• Flexibility of working hours/ able to work at desired times.

Desirable

• An understanding of the Quality & Outcomes Framework.
• Some knowledge of the Emis Web clinical system.