Job summary
We are looking for a friendly and approachable receptionist to join our team. The role involves welcoming patients to the practice, helping them navigate our appointment system, and responding to queries both in person and over the telephone. The successful candidate will be a good listener, empathetic, and able to offer extra support to patients who may need it. In addition, the receptionist will assist with a range of administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the practice and the best possible experience for our patients.
Main duties of the job
As the first point of contact for many patients, the Medical Receptionist plays a vital role in the smooth day-to-day running of the practice. The role combines administrative responsibilities with patient interaction and support for the clinical team.
Key duties include:
- Welcoming patients at reception and over the telephone, managing appointments (booking, rescheduling, and cancellations), checking patients in and out, and answering general enquiries.
- Assisting patients with forms, updating personal details, and signposting them to the most appropriate services.
- Handling patient information with the highest level of confidentiality, always complying with GDPR and practice policies.
- Helping to maintain an organised and welcoming reception and waiting area, ensuring patient information displays are up to date and supporting the smooth flow of patients through the practice.
- Working as part of the wider administrative and clinical team to ensure patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care.
About us
Knebworth and Marymead Medical Practice is a well-established, two-site GP surgery serving a diverse and growing patient population across the Stevenage and Knebworth area. We are proud of our friendly, patient-centred approach and our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care.
Our multidisciplinary team includes GPs, practice nurses, HCAs, advanced clinical practitioners, clinical pharmacists, and first contact physiotherapists, all supported by a dedicated administrative and reception team. We are a training practice with a strong emphasis on education, professional development, and continuous improvement. Our clinical system is SystmOne, and we are actively engaged with the South Stevenage Primary Care Network (PCN) to help shape and deliver integrated local services.
We are forward-thinking, collaborative, and committed to innovation that improves both patient outcomes and staff wellbeing whether through digital tools, modern general practice initiatives, or investment in workforce development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
A Medical Receptionist is a key member of the practice team, combining administrative skills with patient care and support. The role involves working closely with GPs, nurses, and other staff to ensure the practice runs smoothly and patients receive a professional and welcoming service.
- Greeting patients in person and on the telephone in a professional and friendly manner.
- Managing appointments, including booking, cancelling, and rescheduling.
- Checking patients in and out of appointments and helping with forms or personal details updates.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records (paper and electronic).
- Handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and prescription requests.
- Relaying messages between patients and staff promptly and confidentially.
- Supporting GPs diaries, including home visits and specialist appointments.
- Responding appropriately to urgent or emergency situations, such as calling an ambulance or assisting distressed patients.
- Ensuring the reception and waiting areas are tidy, welcoming, and stocked with up-to-date information.
- Always handling sensitive information with professionalism and in line with GDPR and NHS confidentiality requirements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
A Medical Receptionist is a key member of the practice team, combining administrative skills with patient care and support. The role involves working closely with GPs, nurses, and other staff to ensure the practice runs smoothly and patients receive a professional and welcoming service.
- Greeting patients in person and on the telephone in a professional and friendly manner.
- Managing appointments, including booking, cancelling, and rescheduling.
- Checking patients in and out of appointments and helping with forms or personal details updates.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records (paper and electronic).
- Handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and prescription requests.
- Relaying messages between patients and staff promptly and confidentially.
- Supporting GPs diaries, including home visits and specialist appointments.
- Responding appropriately to urgent or emergency situations, such as calling an ambulance or assisting distressed patients.
- Ensuring the reception and waiting areas are tidy, welcoming, and stocked with up-to-date information.
- Always handling sensitive information with professionalism and in line with GDPR and NHS confidentiality requirements.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Team player who can also work independently when required.
- Basic computer literacy and willingness to learn new systems.
- Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection.
- Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
Desirable
- Experience using SystmOne (training will be provided if not).
- Previous experience working in a GP practice or healthcare setting.
- Experience in a public-facing or customer service role.
- Confident computer and IT skills beyond the basics.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Ability to work accurately with attention to detail.
- Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Team player who can also work independently when required.
- Basic computer literacy and willingness to learn new systems.
- Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection.
- Reliable, punctual, and flexible approach to work.
Desirable
- Experience using SystmOne (training will be provided if not).
- Previous experience working in a GP practice or healthcare setting.
- Experience in a public-facing or customer service role.
- Confident computer and IT skills beyond the basics.
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.
