At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of Silton Surgery, handling patient enquiries and supporting admin tasks.
- Company: Join a small, close-knit team at a rural general practice with over 2400 patients.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour, plus NHS pension contributions and opportunities for training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while gaining valuable skills in healthcare administration.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills, computer experience, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 15 £ per hour.
At Silton Surgery we are seeking an additional member of staff to work as a receptionist with a view to train in admin, being the first point of contact for patients and liaising with clinical teams that support our patients. As every patient is unique, the practice is a complex place to work but full training will be provided. We use a computer system called SystmOne which is used at many GP practices across the country.
Main duties:
- Answer the telephone and deal with enquiries.
- Make appointments by telephone and personal requests.
- Register new and temporary patients.
- Take accurate note of any changes in patients’ personal details and update computer and written records.
- Input data to computer system.
- Scanning documents onto the computer system.
- Deal with patients collecting medication: give prescription form and ensure it is correctly completed; collect appropriate fees and record accurately; ensure that correct medication is given to the patient or their representative; ensure accurate records are kept of the above.
- Lock-up of surgery at closing time, including switching off computers, printers, photocopiers, etc.
The successful candidate will need to be flexible and prepared to provide cover for training, holiday and sickness.
About us:
Silton Surgery is a small, rural general practice with just over 2400 patients and an experienced group of staff including: 1 GP Partner, 2 Locum GP, 3 Practice Nurses, 1 GP assistant and 4 admin/reception staff who dovetail a range of duties, including reception tasks, dispensing, administration and secretarial tasks. We are looking for someone with a professional attitude and excellent interpersonal skills who will be able to interact positively with our patients, as well as with other members of the practice team. The ability to multi-task and keep calm under pressure are important in this role, as is attention to detail. A clear understanding of the confidential nature of dealing with patients is essential. We are a friendly, tight-knit team but flexibility is essential in this role as cross cover with other team members is required for training time, holiday and sickness cover.
Expectations:
- Good telephone manner; pleasant approach to patients; confident; able to work on own initiative; reliable; accurate; able to work as part of a small team; flexible; respectful of patients confidentiality; smart appearance; experience in use of computers; willingness to train in other aspects of work within the Practice.
Training: Practice procedures and Practice Computer System (SystmOne) will be available.
Salary: £12.21 per hour (negotiable depending on experience), plus employer pension contribution of 14.38% within the NHS Pension scheme.
Please do not hesitate to contact the practice if you have any further questions about the role. To apply for the role, we would be grateful if you could provide a CV along with a covering letter before the closing date of 25 February 2026.
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.
Receptionist/ Trainee admin assistant. in Gillingham employer: Silton Surgery
Contact Detail:
Silton Surgery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist/ Trainee admin assistant. in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Silton Surgery. Familiarise yourself with their values and services. This will help you connect better during the conversation and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Make sure you look smart and professional for your interview. First impressions matter, especially in a role where you'll be the first point of contact for patients. A polished appearance shows you take the opportunity seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist/ Trainee admin assistant. in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor it specifically to Silton Surgery. Mention why you're excited about the role and how your skills align with what they're looking for. A personal touch goes a long way!
Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills: Since you'll be the first point of contact for patients, highlight your excellent interpersonal skills in your application. Share examples of how you've positively interacted with people in previous roles or experiences.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for the hiring team to see your relevant experience and skills. Remember, attention to detail is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and shows that you're keen on joining our friendly team at Silton Surgery!
How to prepare for a job interview at Silton Surgery
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like answering calls, making appointments, and handling patient records. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Practice Your People Skills
As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for patients, so it's crucial to showcase your interpersonal skills. Practice common interview questions that focus on customer service and how you would handle difficult situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interacted with others.
✨Get Comfortable with SystmOne
Since the practice uses SystmOne, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with this system if you can. Even if you haven't used it before, showing that you're willing to learn and adapt to new technology will impress the interviewers. Mention any similar software experience you have to highlight your tech-savviness.
✨Show Your Flexibility
The role requires flexibility, so be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to changing circumstances. Share examples of times when you've had to cover for colleagues or take on different tasks. This will demonstrate your willingness to be a team player and your ability to handle the dynamic nature of the job.