Medical Receptionist in Gateshead

We are looking to recruit a friendly motivated full-time medical receptionist to add to our team. You will be the first point of contact for patients, providing a professional and welcoming service both in person and over the phone. 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday 11.00am - 18.30pm. We would consider applications from candidates who cannot start at 11.00am but could start at 12.00pm or 13.00pm, as long as the finish time remains the same.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Maintaining and monitoring the practice appointments system
• Processing personal and telephone requests for appointments, visits and telephone consultations, and ensuring callers are directed to the appropriate healthcare professional
• Processing and distributing incoming (and outgoing) mail
• Taking messages and passing on information
• Processing repeat prescriptions
• Computer data entry/data allocation and collation; processing and recording information in accordance with practice procedures
• Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare agencies and providers
• Filing, photocopying and scanning
• Keeping the reception area, noticeboards and leaflet dispensers tidy

We are a friendly practice based in Gateshead town centre, close to bus and rail links, with 8350 patients. We have 3 GP partners, 8 salaried GPs, nurse practitioner, practice nurses, health care assistants, and admin staff. We also have Pharmacists, Social Prescribing link workers, care coordinators. All these roles are supported by our administration and reception team who play a vital part in the day to day running of the practice. We are also a teaching practice for Doctors in Training and medical students.

Job responsibilities:

• Act as the first point of contact for patients and visitors, providing a professional, welcoming, and efficient reception service
• Handle general enquiries, explain practice procedures, and book routine, follow-up, and urgent appointments using appropriate judgement
• Register new and temporary patients in line with NHS and practice procedures
• Record requests for home visits accurately on the clinical system
• Process repeat prescription requests
• Answer and make telephone calls promptly and professionally
• Take accurate messages and ensure they are passed to the appropriate person in a timely manner
• Process prescription requests received via the telephone line
• Use the practice telephone system effectively

Administration:

• Work in accordance with all practice policies, procedures, and protocols
• Maintain accurate patient records, including updates to personal details
• Open, sort, and distribute incoming post
• Process documentation such as reports, hospital letters, forms, and patient information leaflets
• File, retrieve, and dispose of records and correspondence in line with practice policy

Data Processing:

• Register new patients promptly and accurately on the clinical system
• Enter and update patient information as required
• Process electronic tasks and prescription requests as required
• Ensure records are maintained securely and in good order
• Maintain building security during opening hours and report any concerns appropriately

Other Duties:

• Provide cover for colleagues during busy periods, sickness, or annual leave
• Undertake any reasonable additional duties to support the smooth running of the practice

Additional Responsibilities (Applicable to All Staff):

• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, staff, and practice information at all times in line with GDPR and practice policies
• Health & Safety: Promote and maintain a safe working environment, following infection control, health & safety, and security procedures
• Equality & Diversity: Treat all patients, colleagues, and visitors with dignity, respect, and fairness, supporting equality and diversity
• Training & Development: Participate in statutory and practice-led training, appraisals, and development activities
• Quality & Communication: Work effectively as part of the wider practice team
• Communicate clearly with patients, carers, and colleagues
• Contribute to service improvement, audits, and practice meetings where appropriate

Person Specification:

• Qualifications: GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
• Experience: Experience of working in a GP practice
• Experience of using EMIS Web
• Able to work in a team
• Good time management, able to prioritise tasks effectively

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.