Medical Receptionist in Taunton

Working Pattern: Monday, Thursday and Friday afternoons/evenings, 1:00pm to 7:00pm. Occasional additional hours may be required to cover sickness and annual leave; therefore, a degree of flexibility is essential.

An excellent opportunity has arisen at North Curry Health Centre for a Reception/Administrative Assistant to support our Primary Health Care Team. We are a friendly, dispensing GP practice serving just over 4,000 patients. Our team consists of 3 GP Partners, 2 Salaried GPs, 2 Practice Nurses, 1 Healthcare Assistant, 5 Dispensers, a reception and administrative team of 7 staff, and a Practice Manager.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will provide a high standard of reception and administrative support, acting as a key point of contact for patients, clinicians, and colleagues. Duties include receiving, assisting, and directing patients to the appropriate service or healthcare professional, alongside a range of administrative tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the practice, in line with agreed procedures, protocols, and timescales.

We are looking for a motivated, well-organised individual who is reliable, flexible, and able to communicate effectively. Excellent IT skills and the ability to work well as part of a team are essential. Applicants should have a good general education, including at least three GCSEs at Grade A to C (or 9 to 4), including English and Maths. Previous experience in a healthcare setting would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training will be provided.

Informal enquiries or visits to the practice are welcome. Please contact the Practice Manager on 01823 490505 or email reception.northcurryhc@nhs.net

About us

North Curry Health Centre is in a beautiful village between the Somerset Levels and the Blackdown and Quantock Hills. It is near to Taunton with its great rail and motorway links to the rest of the country and its excellent schools. It is a 3 partner rural dispensing practice with a list size of just over 4,000 patients. We have a traditional caring ethos, but also embrace technology. The partners maintain personal patient lists and are keen to maintain continuity of care.

Job responsibilities

• Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way.
• Provide general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.
• Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments.
• Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure procedures are completed.
• Ensure courteous, efficient and confidential handling of patients' enquiries and requests.
• Efficient and prompt filing, record keeping, message taking and distribution of documents.
• Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.
• Opening/closing of premises where appropriate, including setting the alarm.
• Dealing with mail (both electronic and paper).
• Ensuring all Consulting Rooms are fully stocked.
• Use of computer for appointments, registrations, viewing pathology results, other data input.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of working in a medical or primary care setting.
• Computer literate with an ability to use the required GP clinical systems.
• Has a planned and organised approach with an ability to prioritise their own workload to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent understanding of data protection and confidentiality issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team members, patients, carers, and other healthcare professionals, with the ability to adjust communication style.
• Committed to own continuing personal development and an ability to support others to develop and progress.
• Flexibility of working hours/able to work at the desired times.
• Awareness of Data Protection Act and need for confidentiality of Information.
• Attention to detail, able to work accurately, identifying errors quickly and easily.

Physical Requirements

• Commit to a DBS Check.
• Able to undertake the demands of the post with reasonable adjustments if required.
• UK Driving Licence.

Personal Attributes

• Works effectively independently and as a member of a team.
• Flexible approach to meet service needs and ensure a stakeholder focused response.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Continued commitment to improve skills and ability in new areas of work.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications

• GCSEs at grade C or equivalent (or 4-9), including English and Maths.
• Training in administration/clerical duties at NVQ level or above.
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Customer Services or Health Care or related discipline.

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.