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- Tasks: Welcome patients and manage reception duties in a busy hospital environment.
- Company: Join the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, a vital healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a permanent contract and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference by providing excellent service to patients and visitors.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs or equivalent experience in customer care or administration.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including nights and weekends.
Part‑time Clinical Reception (20 hours per week) across day, night, weekends and bank holidays. Permanent contract. Located at Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham (DL3 6HX).
Job Summary
Provide efficient reception and administration service for the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre. Act as the first point of contact, demonstrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills, confidentiality and an organisational approach to patient and visitor management.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive and welcome patients, visitors and staff; manage reception duties including sorting post, filing, stock monitoring, photocopying and delivery checks.
- Timely and accurate management of patient information using the Patient Administration System.
- Register new patients on the Patient Administration System (Symphony/System One) ensuring correct data entry.
- Handle telephone calls from patients and service users, provide information and support.
- Book all clinic appointments, reallocate cancellations or amendments, and ensure appointment continuity.
- Generate and send out letters to patients for outpatient booking and follow‑up, in accordance with clinic rules.
- Book transport for patients where medically necessary.
- Identify overseas visitors, inform appropriate interviewers and facilitate necessary actions.
- Ensure patient satisfaction, confidentiality and a positive service experience.
- Deal with distressed, abusive or complaining customers face‑to‑face and via telephone.
- Compile and send clinical letters as required.
- Maintain updated patient demographic information.
- Liaise effectively with patients, general practitioners, hospital staff and other professional bodies to support smooth department running.
- Work under pressure, both supervised and unsupervised, following departmental policies and procedures.
Qualifications – Essential
- 5 GCSEs (Grades A–C) or NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration/Customer Care or equivalent experience.
- Relevant reception experience.
Qualifications – Desirable
- Experience using Microsoft Office packages.
- NHS reception experience.
Essential Skills & Knowledge
- Excellent organisational and prioritising skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Keyboard proficiency.
- Excellent communication skills.
Special Requirements
- Flexibility for 24/7 service cover.
EEO Statement
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, as these groups are currently under‑represented.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be conducted as part of pre‑employment checks.
Employer Details
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6HX.
Receptionist employer: Charity Society
Contact Detail:
Charity Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Darlington Memorial Hospital and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for patients and visitors. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and ensure you can handle any situation with ease.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of the NHS Trust on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the position, giving you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about landing the job at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your excellent organisational and communication skills in your application. We want to see how you can manage the busy reception environment and keep everything running smoothly!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific responsibilities of the Receptionist role. Mention any relevant experience, especially if you've worked in a similar setting before.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity Society
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a receptionist in a clinical setting. Familiarise yourself with the Patient Administration System mentioned in the job description and be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with managing patient information and handling calls.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the first point of contact, excellent communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with patients or customers in the past, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to handle distressed or upset individuals with empathy and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Being organised is crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks under pressure. You might want to mention how you prioritised tasks or maintained accuracy while dealing with high volumes of information.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, such as dealing with an angry customer or managing a busy reception desk. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
