GP medical receptionist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title

GP Medical Receptionist

Job Purpose

The GP Medical Receptionist is the first point of contact for patients, providing a friendly, efficient, and confidential service. The role supports the smooth running of the GP practice by managing appointments, patient enquiries, and administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet patients politely and professionally, in person and on the phone
• Book, change, and cancel appointments using the practice system
• Answer incoming calls and direct enquiries appropriately
• Register new patients and update patient records accurately
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Handle prescription requests according to practice procedures
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, including referrals and test results
• Support doctors, nurses, and other staff with administrative tasks
• Deal calmly and respectfully with patients who may be distressed or unwell
• Keep the reception area tidy and welcoming

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Friendly, calm, and professional manner

Good organisational and time-management skills

Ability to work well under pressure in a busy environment

Strong attention to detail

Basic IT skills (email, data entry, booking systems)

Ability to work as part of a team and independently

Respectful, patient, and understanding attitude

GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential)

Previous receptionist or customer service experience (desirable)

Experience in a healthcare setting (an advantage)

Training on GP systems (SystmOne) an advantage but can be provided

Based in a heart of Acton W3 GP surgery

Shift work, including mornings 8-130 and afternoons 130-630 Monday to Friday

Based at reception front desk

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education
• GCSE English and Maths -or equivalent

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 3 in Customer Service or Business Administration
• Evidence of relevant training in a healthcare or administrative setting

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to remain calm, polite, and professional under pressure
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively
• Accurate data entry and attention to detail
• Competent IT skills, including use of computer systems and email
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Friendly, approachable, and professional manner
• Empathetic and respectful attitude towards patients and colleagues
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible
• Willingness to learn and adapt to service needs

Desirable

• Knowledge of GP practice procedures and NHS services
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately
• Experience managing appointments and patient records

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a customer-facing role
• Experience of dealing with the public in person and via telephone

Desirable

• Experience of working in a GP practice or healthcare environment
• Experience using clinical or appointment systems (SystmOne)

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

Crown Street Surgery

Address

21-23 Crown Street, 2 Lombard Court

Acton

W3 8SA

Employer's website

https://www.crownstreetsurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)