Experienced Receptionist Wanted

Job description

Job responsibilities

We are looking for a highly experienced Receptionist to join our professional GP surgery team. You will be the first point of contact for our patients, ensuring smooth access to our services and delivering exceptional patient care. This role requires experience, professionalism, and flexibility.

As a Receptionist, you will oversee the reception area and associated duties, reporting directly to the Practice Manager. You will support the efficient running of the surgery, implement new procedures, and ensure adherence to all practice policies. Flexibility is essential, as duties may be adjusted to meet the evolving needs of the practice.

We are seeking someone who is:

• Professional, calm, reliable, and punctual
• Excellent at communication and able to work under pressure
• Flexible and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Patient, empathetic, and discreet, understanding the importance of confidentiality
• IT proficient, accurate, and detail-oriented

Reception & Patient Interaction:

• Ensure patients are received courteously, efficiently, and with empathy.
• Answer phones promptly (within 5 rings) and direct calls appropriately.
• Manage appointments accurately using EMIS, providing clear instructions and appointment cards.
• Handle patient enquiries, complaints, and requests professionally, following practice policies.

Administration & Clerical Duties:

• Manage mail, prescriptions, patient records, and data entry accurately.
• Register new patients and provide information on online access.
• Scan, code, and file correspondence, test results, and medical records.
• Take payments for private services, issuing receipts promptly.

Housekeeping & Safety:

• Keep reception and waiting areas clean, tidy, and hazard-free.
• Ensure IT systems are secure, logging off appropriately.
• Follow Health & Safety and infection control policies consistently.

Confidentiality & Communication:

• Maintain strict confidentiality for patients, staff, and practice information.
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

Professional Development:

• Maintain and develop skills through training, courses, and continuous education.
• Participate in performance reviews and contribute to practice improvement initiatives.

• Support equality, diversity, and patient rights at all times.
• Identify and manage risks in daily activities to ensure safety and compliance.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to ensure the smooth operation of the practice.

This is a senior receptionist role, suited for candidates with proven experience in the NHS or GP surgery environment. The role demands accuracy, discretion, adaptability, and leadership in the reception team.

Person Specification

Proven experience as a Receptionist in the NHS, ideally within a GP surgery or similar healthcare setting.

Essential

• Professional and approachable creates a welcoming environment for patients.
• Calm and composed under pressure, able to handle difficult situations with tact.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible, able to adapt to changing workloads and responsibilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially with patient records and appointments.
• Team player with the ability to work independently when required.
• Patient, empathetic, and respectful, with a commitment to providing excellent patient care.

Qualifications

Essential

• Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Proven experience as a Receptionist in the NHS, ideally within a GP surgery or similar healthcare setting.
• Familiarity with EMIS Web or equivalent GP software systems.
• Experience managing appointments, patient records, and general practice administration.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy environment.

Desirable

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, colleagues, and healthcare professionals.
• Strong IT skills, including data entry, email, and use of electronic patient record systems.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and work efficiently under pressure.
• Understanding of Information Governance and patient confidentiality standards.
• Knowledge of practice policies, procedures, and NHS protocols.

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as a Receptionist in the NHS, ideally within a GP surgery or similar healthcare setting.
• Familiarity with EMIS Web or equivalent GP software systems.
• Experience managing appointments, patient records, and general practice administration.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively under pressure in a busy environment.

Desirable

• Experience in training or mentoring junior staff in reception duties.
• Understanding of health and safety, infection control, and risk management in a healthcare environment.
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in patient care and workplace practices.
• Previous experience in managing prescription requests and patient correspondence.

Employer details

Employer name

Old Kent Road Surgery

Address

182 - 184 Old Kent Road

London

SE1 5TY

Employer's website

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