Job summary
We are looking for two part-time Receptionists to join our friendly and supportive team at Purbeck Health Centre in Milton Keynes. The roles involve working either 08:0011:00 (mornings) or 15:3018:30 (afternoons), Monday to Friday.
You will mainly be answering telephone calls, greeting patients at the front desk, and carrying out a range of administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the practice. The role is busy and varied, so good communication, organisation, and attention to detail are important.
We are looking for people who are friendly, reliable, and calm under pressure, with a professional approach and a willingness to work as part of a team. Confidence using computers and learning new systems is essential.
Full training will be given, and you will be supported by an experienced team who take pride in providing excellent service to our patients.
Main duties of the job
Answer telephone calls promptly and professionally, helping patients with appointment booking, general enquiries, and repeat prescription requests.
Welcome patients and visitors at the front desk, checking them in and supporting them with any queries.
Manage messages and pass information accurately to the relevant clinicians or administrative staff.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Update and maintain accurate patient records on the clinical system (SystmOne).
Support the clinical team by preparing and managing daily appointment lists.
Process prescription requests, test results, and administrative documents as directed.
Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, emails, and electronic tasks.
Help ensure the reception area remains tidy, organised, and welcoming.
Work as part of a team, supporting colleagues during busy times and providing occasional cover for the opposite shift when required.
Follow all practice policies and procedures, including confidentiality, data protection, and health and safety.
About us
Purbeck Health Centre is a well-established, forward-thinking GP practice based in Milton Keynes. We provide high-quality, patient-centred care to a broad and diverse local population. Our team is friendly, supportive, and committed to providing a safe, professional, and caring environment for both patients and staff.
The practice is part of a strong Primary Care Network and we work closely with other local surgeries and community services to provide joined-up care. Our clinical team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, paramedics, and social prescribers, supported by a skilled and experienced administrative team.
We use the SystmOne clinical system and continue to modernise our processes to improve patient access and efficiency. Teamwork, communication, and respect are at the heart of how we work.
We value our staff and take pride in offering a supportive and well-organised workplace where everyone is encouraged to learn, develop, and contribute to improving how we deliver care. Joining our team means becoming part of a practice that is positive, forward-looking, and genuinely cares about its people and its patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description Receptionist
Organisation: Purbeck Health Centre, Milton Keynes
Salary: £12.30 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours:
-
Post 1 (Morning): MondayFriday, 08:0011:00
-
Post 2 (Afternoon): MondayFriday, 15:3018:30
Contract: Permanent, Part-time
Reports to: Reception Lead / Practice Manager
Job SummaryWe are looking for two part-time Receptionists to join our friendly and supportive team at Purbeck Health Centre. These roles are focused on telephone, front desk, and administrative computer-based tasks that keep the practice running smoothly and ensure patients receive a high standard of service.
You will be the first point of contact for our patients either in person or by phone and will play a key role in ensuring queries are handled efficiently, appointments are managed accurately, and information is passed to the right members of the team.
This role suits someone who is friendly, organised, confident using computers, and able to stay calm under pressure.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesReception and Front Desk
-
Welcome patients and visitors in a polite, professional, and caring manner.
-
Check patients in for appointments and support them with any queries.
-
Manage patient flow and communicate with clinical staff as needed.
-
Keep the reception area tidy, calm, and organised.
Telephone and Enquiries
-
Answer incoming calls promptly and courteously using the SystmOne clinical system.
-
Book, amend, and cancel appointments accurately.
-
Deal with general enquiries, directing patients to the appropriate service or staff member.
-
Handle urgent or emergency calls according to practice protocols, ensuring patient safety.
-
Take and relay accurate messages to GPs, nurses, or administrators in a timely manner.
Administrative and Computer Tasks
-
Update patient contact details and appointment notes.
-
Process and manage online appointment requests and messages.
-
Maintain accurate patient records and task lists on SystmOne.
-
Support daily reception operations, such as checking call queues, monitoring emails, and ensuring the days appointments run smoothly.
-
Assist with simple computer-based admin such as printing letters, producing lists, or entering basic data as directed.
-
Follow practice processes for filing, communication, and information sharing between teams.
Teamwork and Communication
-
Work closely with other receptionists to ensure the desk and phones are always covered.
-
Communicate clearly with clinicians, administrators, and management.
-
Provide occasional cover for colleagues during annual leave or sickness.
-
Attend team meetings and training sessions as required.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
-
Follow all practice policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
-
Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude at all times.
-
Report any issues, risks, or concerns promptly to the Reception Lead or Practice Manager.
-
Participate in regular training and updates to stay confident in using systems and processes.
Skills and Attributes Required
-
Excellent communication and telephone skills.
-
Friendly, polite, and approachable manner.
-
Strong IT skills and confidence using computer systems (SystmOne experience desirable).
-
Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment.
-
Calm and professional under pressure.
-
Reliable, flexible, and a supportive team player.
-
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
-
Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
About Purbeck Health CentrePurbeck Health Centre is a well-established and forward-thinking GP practice based in Milton Keynes. We are proud to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to a diverse local population.
Our team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, paramedics, and social prescribers, supported by an experienced reception and admin team. We use SystmOne and work collaboratively across our Primary Care Network to deliver joined-up care.
We value teamwork, good communication, and respect for one another. We encourage our staff to learn, develop, and bring forward ideas that help improve patient care and the working environment.
General ResponsibilitiesAll staff are expected to:
-
Uphold the values and reputation of Purbeck Health Centre.
-
Maintain confidentiality and data security at all times.
-
Follow all practice policies and NHS regulations.
-
Take responsibility for their own health, safety, and wellbeing at work.
-
Contribute to a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
Equality and DiversityAll employees are expected to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, treating all patients and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Health and SafetyStaff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others and report any hazards or incidents immediately.
Notes
This job description is not exhaustive. Duties may change over time as the needs of the practice evolve, following discussion and agreement with your line manager
Job description
Job responsibilities
Job Description Receptionist
Organisation: Purbeck Health Centre, Milton Keynes
Salary: £12.30 per hour (depending on experience)
Hours:
-
Post 1 (Morning): MondayFriday, 08:0011:00
-
Post 2 (Afternoon): MondayFriday, 15:3018:30
Contract: Permanent, Part-time
Reports to: Reception Lead / Practice Manager
Job SummaryWe are looking for two part-time Receptionists to join our friendly and supportive team at Purbeck Health Centre. These roles are focused on telephone, front desk, and administrative computer-based tasks that keep the practice running smoothly and ensure patients receive a high standard of service.
You will be the first point of contact for our patients either in person or by phone and will play a key role in ensuring queries are handled efficiently, appointments are managed accurately, and information is passed to the right members of the team.
This role suits someone who is friendly, organised, confident using computers, and able to stay calm under pressure.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesReception and Front Desk
-
Welcome patients and visitors in a polite, professional, and caring manner.
-
Check patients in for appointments and support them with any queries.
-
Manage patient flow and communicate with clinical staff as needed.
-
Keep the reception area tidy, calm, and organised.
Telephone and Enquiries
-
Answer incoming calls promptly and courteously using the SystmOne clinical system.
-
Book, amend, and cancel appointments accurately.
-
Deal with general enquiries, directing patients to the appropriate service or staff member.
-
Handle urgent or emergency calls according to practice protocols, ensuring patient safety.
-
Take and relay accurate messages to GPs, nurses, or administrators in a timely manner.
Administrative and Computer Tasks
-
Update patient contact details and appointment notes.
-
Process and manage online appointment requests and messages.
-
Maintain accurate patient records and task lists on SystmOne.
-
Support daily reception operations, such as checking call queues, monitoring emails, and ensuring the days appointments run smoothly.
-
Assist with simple computer-based admin such as printing letters, producing lists, or entering basic data as directed.
-
Follow practice processes for filing, communication, and information sharing between teams.
Teamwork and Communication
-
Work closely with other receptionists to ensure the desk and phones are always covered.
-
Communicate clearly with clinicians, administrators, and management.
-
Provide occasional cover for colleagues during annual leave or sickness.
-
Attend team meetings and training sessions as required.
Professional Conduct and Compliance
-
Follow all practice policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
-
Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude at all times.
-
Report any issues, risks, or concerns promptly to the Reception Lead or Practice Manager.
-
Participate in regular training and updates to stay confident in using systems and processes.
Skills and Attributes Required
-
Excellent communication and telephone skills.
-
Friendly, polite, and approachable manner.
-
Strong IT skills and confidence using computer systems (SystmOne experience desirable).
-
Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment.
-
Calm and professional under pressure.
-
Reliable, flexible, and a supportive team player.
-
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
-
Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
About Purbeck Health CentrePurbeck Health Centre is a well-established and forward-thinking GP practice based in Milton Keynes. We are proud to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to a diverse local population.
Our team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, paramedics, and social prescribers, supported by an experienced reception and admin team. We use SystmOne and work collaboratively across our Primary Care Network to deliver joined-up care.
We value teamwork, good communication, and respect for one another. We encourage our staff to learn, develop, and bring forward ideas that help improve patient care and the working environment.
General ResponsibilitiesAll staff are expected to:
-
Uphold the values and reputation of Purbeck Health Centre.
-
Maintain confidentiality and data security at all times.
-
Follow all practice policies and NHS regulations.
-
Take responsibility for their own health, safety, and wellbeing at work.
-
Contribute to a positive, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture.
Equality and DiversityAll employees are expected to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, treating all patients and colleagues with dignity and respect.
Health and SafetyStaff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others and report any hazards or incidents immediately.
Notes
This job description is not exhaustive. Duties may change over time as the needs of the practice evolve, following discussion and agreement with your line manager
Person Specification
knowledge and skills
Essential
- Friendly, approachable, and professional manner.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Calm, patient, and respectful when dealing with people who may be upset or anxious.
- Able to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Reliable, flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems or procedures.
- Good time management and organisational skills.
Desirable
- Understanding of patient confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
- Positive attitude and commitment to providing a high standard of patient service.
- Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion within a healthcare setting.
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general standard of education (GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths).
- Confident using computers and able to learn new software systems.
- Willingness to complete in-house and external training relevant to the role (e.g. SystmOne, safeguarding, data protection, customer service).
Desirable
- Customer service or administration qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or 3, or equivalent).
- Training or experience in a healthcare, call handling, or reception environment.
- Evidence of continuing personal development.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a receptionist, customer service, or administrative role.
- Experience dealing with the public, both face-to-face and over the telephone.
- Experience using computers and managing multiple tasks at once.
Desirable
- Experience working in a GP surgery, NHS, or other healthcare setting.
- Experience using SystmOne or similar clinical systems.
- Experience working as part of a busy front-line or call-handling team.
Person Specification
knowledge and skills
Essential
- Friendly, approachable, and professional manner.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Calm, patient, and respectful when dealing with people who may be upset or anxious.
- Able to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Reliable, flexible, and able to work as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new systems or procedures.
- Good time management and organisational skills.
Desirable
- Understanding of patient confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
- Positive attitude and commitment to providing a high standard of patient service.
- Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion within a healthcare setting.
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general standard of education (GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths).
- Confident using computers and able to learn new software systems.
- Willingness to complete in-house and external training relevant to the role (e.g. SystmOne, safeguarding, data protection, customer service).
Desirable
- Customer service or administration qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2 or 3, or equivalent).
- Training or experience in a healthcare, call handling, or reception environment.
- Evidence of continuing personal development.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a receptionist, customer service, or administrative role.
- Experience dealing with the public, both face-to-face and over the telephone.
- Experience using computers and managing multiple tasks at once.
Desirable
- Experience working in a GP surgery, NHS, or other healthcare setting.
- Experience using SystmOne or similar clinical systems.
- Experience working as part of a busy front-line or call-handling team.
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.