Medical Secretary in Thatcham

Job Summary

Position is for 24 hours per week.

Working pattern: Thursday 08:30–16:30, Friday 08:30–16:30 plus one additional day on either Monday or Wednesday 08:30–16:30.

The pattern may vary.

The role is office‑based within a GP practice with frequent use of computers and telephones.

We are seeking an organised, professional and proactive Medical Secretary to join our friendly and welcoming team at Burdwood Surgery.

The successful candidate will provide high‑quality administrative and secretarial support to clinicians, ensuring patients receive an efficient and confidential service.

Responsibilities include creating and chasing referrals, dealing with telephone enquiries, preparing and producing document templates (e. g. hospital referrals), handling paperwork relating to gun licences and death protocol.

Responsibilities

• Provide secretarial and administrative support to clinicians and non‑clinical staff, including typing letters, reports, patient referrals and memoranda.
• Process referrals using NHS electronic referral systems where appropriate.
• Monitor and manage tasks and workflows allocated by GPs or management.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, including email, accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Handle telephone calls and patient enquiries in a professional and courteous manner.
• Liaise with hospitals, community services and external healthcare providers regarding appointments, referrals and patient information.
• Maintain accurate patient records and ensure information is updated correctly.
• Communicate effectively with clinicians, patients and other members of the practice team.
• Provide cover for members of the secretarial team during sickness or annual leave.

Essential Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Competent with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Clear, polite telephone manner and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective time‑management and prioritisation of workload.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills.

Desirable Skills

• EMISWeb user skills.
• NHS e‑Referral Service skills.
• Flexibility to work outside of core working pattern.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths (grade C or above).

Desirable Qualifications

• Education to A‑level or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Medical terminology qualification or administration qualification.

Experience

• Experience of working with the general public.
• Previous secretarial experience.
• Experience of administration duties.
• Experience of speaking to public via telephone.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
• Experience of working in a general practice.
• Personal Qualities
• Ability to keep calm in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Sensitive, caring and empathetic in distressing situations.
• A passion for helping others.
• Polite and approachable behaviour at all times.
• Professional and confident behaviour.
• Motivated and willing to learn.
• Clear commitment to attention to detail and quality.
• Positive and enthusiastic with a great patient focus.
• Other Requirements
• Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Occupational Health Certificate.

Benefits and Working Conditions

• Salary: £13.00–£14.25 per hour, dependent on experience.
• Contract: Permanent.
• Working pattern: Part‑time, job share.
• Location: Wheelers Green Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4YF.
• Employer Details
• Name: Burdwood Surgery.
• Address: Wheelers Green Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4YF.
• Website: https://www. burdwoodsurgery. nhs. uk/
• Disclosure & Barring Service

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

A submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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