Receptionist in Stockport

As a Receptionist at Stockport Medical Group, you'll be the welcoming face and reassuring voice that helps patients access the care they need. This is a role at the heart of the practice: fast paced, people focused and essential to delivering excellent patient experience. You'll support our clinical and administrative teams, manage patient enquiries, and keep the practice running smoothly through confident use of digital systems and your strong communication skills. Every day brings variety. You'll be booking appointments, handling calls, processing prescriptions, supporting new patient registrations, and helping patients navigate their healthcare journey. You'll use EMIS to update records accurately, manage tasks, and ensure information flows seamlessly between patients and clinicians. Your ability to stay calm, organised and friendly makes a real difference to the people we care for.

But this role is more than just reception work; it's about being part of a team that genuinely values what you bring. At Stockport Medical Group, you're not just filling a seat at the front desk; you're contributing to a service that thousands of local people rely on.

Main duties of the job

A GP Receptionist is the first point of contact for patients and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our GP practice. They welcome patients, manage enquiries, and help people access the right care quickly and safely. Using clinical systems such as EMIS and AccuRX, they book appointments, update records, process prescription requests, and support clinicians by keeping information accurate and organised. The role involves handling a busy telephone and front desk service, prioritising urgent requests, and communicating clearly and compassionately with patients who may be anxious, unwell or unsure where to turn. GP Receptionists also manage administrative tasks such as registering new patients, processing requests and appointments, and maintaining tidy, safe reception areas. Strong digital skills are essential. Receptionists use Microsoft Office, online triage tools, and practice communication systems daily, ensuring information flows smoothly between patients, GPs, nurses and the wider healthcare team. Above all, a GP Receptionist helps create a positive patient experience. They combine professionalism, empathy and efficiency to support the community and keep the practice running effectively. This is a role for someone who enjoys helping others, thrives in a fast paced environment, and takes pride in being a key part of a team delivering high quality primary care.

About us

Stockport Medical Group is a long-established, multi-site GP practice dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centred care to the local community. With a diverse team of GPs, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare assistants and administrative staff, the practice delivers a wide range of services designed to support patients at every stage of life. We pride ourselves on being approachable, efficient and committed to continuous improvement, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time. As a modern primary care organisation, Stockport Medical Group combines traditional family practice values with forward thinking systems and technology. Our team uses digital tools such as EMIS, online triage platforms and secure communication systems to streamline workflows and enhance patient experience. We value accuracy, compassion and teamwork, and we work hard to create an environment where staff feel supported and able to grow. Across all our sites, we aim to provide a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where patients feel listened to and respected. Our staff play a vital role in maintaining this standard, contributing to a culture built on professionalism, kindness and collaboration. Stockport Medical Group is more than a workplace. For anyone looking to build a rewarding career in primary care, this is a place where you can develop your skills, feel valued and make a real difference every day.

Job responsibilities

Job Summary

The Receptionist is responsible for receiving, assisting, and directing patients to the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient, and effective manner. The role requires confident use of clinical IT systems, including EMIS or System One, and strong digital literacy to support the smooth running of the practice. The postholder will provide general administrative support to the practice team and project a positive, professional, and friendly image to patients and visitors, both in person and via the telephone.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver efficient front-of-house service to patients and visitors.
• Handle general enquiries and explain practice procedures clearly and accurately.
• Respond promptly to requests for assistance from patients, carers, and external visitors.
• Ensure patients requiring urgent appointments are managed appropriately and safely.
• Monitor patient flow into consulting rooms and keep patients informed of delays.
• Explain registration processes to new patients and temporary residents and ensure accurate completion of documentation.
• Receive and make telephone calls, diverting or messaging appropriately with accurate detail.
• Record home visit requests on the clinical system, ensuring all relevant information is captured and escalated to the Duty Doctor when required.
• Process repeat prescription requests (manual, email, and electronic) using EMIS.
• Advise patients of charges for private services, take payments, and issue receipts.
• Maintain tidy, safe, and welcoming reception and waiting areas.
• Open, sort, and distribute internal and external mail.

Appointment System

• Maintain full working knowledge of the appointment system, including online booking and triage tools.
• Book, amend, and cancel appointments accurately using EMIS.
• Identify issues with appointment capacity or workflow and escalate to the Reception Supervisor.

Computer & Digital Skills

• Register new patients promptly and accurately on the clinical system.
• Enter temporary residents, emergency, and immediately necessary patients correctly.
• Use EMIS confidently for appointment booking, prescription processing, document management, messaging and tasking.
• Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) for basic spreadsheets, document creation, and internal communication.
• Use scanning and document upload software to ensure accurate filing of clinical correspondence.
• Maintain high standards of data accuracy and digital record keeping.

Telephone System

• Ensure the telephone system is operational at the start of each day and switched to messaging at close.
• Receive and make calls professionally, redirecting to secretaries or clinicians as appropriate.

Consulting Rooms

• Prepare consulting rooms before each session, ensuring forms, equipment, and supplies are available.
• Check and secure rooms at the end of each session.

Photocopying/ Printing / Scanning

• Photocopy and print documents as required.
• Scan clinical documents into patient records using correct protocols.

Start and End of Day Procedures

• Open the premises when first to arrive, deactivate alarms, and prepare for patient arrival.
• Secure the building, switch off lights, and activate alarms when last to leave.

Other Duties

• Provide cover for colleagues during sickness or annual leave.
• Undertake additional duties as required to support the smooth running of the practice.

Confidentiality

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information, staff information, and practice business.
• Only share information with authorised individuals in line with practice policies and data protection legislation.

Health & Safety

• Follow practice Health & Safety policies, including personal security procedures.
• Identify and manage risks in daily activities. Maintain clean, safe working areas and follow infection control procedures. Report hazards or risks promptly.

Equality & Diversity

• Support the rights, dignity, and needs of patients, carers, and colleagues. Provide a non-judgmental, inclusive, and respectful service to all.

Personal & Professional Development

• Participate in annual performance reviews and maintain records of personal development.
• Take responsibility for ongoing learning, including digital skills and system updates.
• Support colleagues by sharing knowledge and demonstrating tasks when required.

Quality

• Contribute to continuous improvement within the practice.
• Reflect on own performance and team processes, suggesting improvements where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies to support patient care.
• Manage time and workload effectively.

Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, carers, and colleagues.
• Recognise when alternative communication methods are needed and adapt accordingly.
• Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance consistently.
• Discuss how policies affect daily work with team members.
• Participate in audits where appropriate.

Hours of Duty

As stated in your contract; may be reviewed by mutual agreement.

Holidays

Person Specification

• Good general education GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Basic IT qualifications or evidence of digital competence.
• Microsoft Office skills confident use of Outlook, Word and basic Excel.
• Ability to learn clinical systems such as EMIS (training provided but aptitude essential).
• Typing and data entry accuracy with good attention to detail.
• Customer service experience in a busy, people-facing environment.
• Working with computers and digital systems on a daily basis.
• Handling high-volume phone calls in a professional, calm manner.
• Administrative experience, including filing, scanning, email handling and record-keeping.
• Experience working in a team, especially in fast-paced or pressured settings.
• Dealing with confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
• Problem-solving and prioritising tasks when under pressure.

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.