At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome patients and assist with queries in a friendly, calm manner.
- Company: Join North Bristol NHS Trust, a leading healthcare provider in the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and representation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and IT proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Centralised Outpatient Services at North Bristol NHS Trust support the clinical divisions and specialties to administer their outpatient services. The service comprises our patient‑facing Reception Team, our telephone and email‑based Patient Contact Centre and our administrative Booking and Referrals Teams. This is a dynamic, patient‑focused environment with opportunities for career progression.
Responsibilities
The role is part of the Reception Team and requires:
- Welcoming patients, carers and visitors to appointments, presenting a calm, friendly, and empathetic approach.
- Responding to queries about transport, booking urgent follow‑up appointments and other patient enquiries.
- Maintaining confidentiality of patient information and ensuring compliance with data protection.
- Managing information technology systems, taking internal calls, and assisting with administrative tasks such as packing and posting letters.
- Ensuring patient safety by raising concerns and liaising with clinicians or transport services when required.
- Following Trust Quick Reference Guides (QRG) or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guidelines and patient no‑show (DNA) procedures.
Education and Training
Essential criteria:
- GCSE or equivalent qualifications, including English Language and Mathematics.
- IT literacy (e‑mail, word processing, data entry).
Desirable criteria:
- Understanding of an outpatient department or NHS fundamentals.
- NVQ Level 2 Customer Service qualification.
Work Experience
Essential criteria:
- Experience dealing with multiple queries face‑to‑face and by telephone.
- General office administrative and clerical duties.
- Customer service experience.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook).
Desirable criteria:
- Working knowledge of a hospital PAS system.
Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Essential criteria:
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Calm and organised approach to duties, capable of multitasking under pressure.
- Ability to follow processes, procedures and training.
- Willingness to undertake training and absorb new practices.
Desirable criteria:
- Flexibility to meet service needs.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.
Equal Opportunities
North Bristol NHS Trust is committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We encourage applications from candidates who are currently under‑represented in our workforce at Band 8a and above, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre‑employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.
Outpatient Receptionist in Bristol employer: North Bristol NHS Trust
North Bristol NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With over 12,000 employees, the Trust prioritises employee growth through annual increments and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Working at our award-winning hospital in Southmead not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care but also provides access to a range of professional development opportunities in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outpatient Receptionist in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research North Bristol NHS Trust 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 customer service skills! Since the role requires a calm and friendly approach, consider role-playing common scenarios you might face as an Outpatient Receptionist. This will boost your confidence and prepare you for real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! If you can, reach out to people working at North Bristol NHS Trust through LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insights about the workplace culture and even tips on the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the North Bristol NHS Trust site. This way, you’ll ensure your application is seen by the right people and you can keep track of your application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Outpatient Receptionist in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:Make sure to highlight your customer service experience in your application. We want to see how you've handled queries and provided support in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
Be Friendly and Empathetic:Since you'll be dealing with patients who may be anxious, it's important to convey your calm and friendly nature. Use examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to empathise and connect with people.
Tech Savvy is a Must:As a competent user of IT systems is essential for this role, don’t forget to mention any relevant tech skills you have. We love seeing candidates who are comfortable with technology and can adapt quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Bristol NHS Trust
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Outpatient Receptionist. Familiarise yourself with common patient queries and the IT systems used in healthcare settings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since attending a hospital can be stressful for patients, it's crucial to convey your calm and friendly nature during the interview. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled anxious customers or provided exceptional service. This will highlight your ability to connect with patients on a personal level.
✨Practice Professional Communication
As a receptionist, clear communication is key. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play common scenarios you could face in the role, such as booking appointments or addressing transport issues, to showcase your communication skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Inclusivity
North Bristol NHS Trust values diversity and teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how you work well in a team and your commitment to creating an inclusive environment. Share any experiences where you've collaborated with diverse groups or supported underrepresented individuals, as this aligns with their organisational values.
