Receptionist in Hereford

Taurus Healthcare Ltd is advertising this position on behalf of Weobley Surgeries & Staunton on Wye Surgeries. The Weobley and Staunton on Wye Practice currently have a vacancy for an experienced Receptionist who will project a positive and friendly image to patients, who is professional, efficient and enthusiastic with a flexible approach to fill this position. The successful candidate will be required to have a good level of education, full knowledge of the elements of Microsoft Office and be able to demonstrate experience of delivering an excellent service to patients and staff alike in a pressurised environment. You will need to demonstrate strong communication skills, understand the importance of confidentiality, take pride in your work and be a conscientious team player. It is important to note that the successful candidate will also be required to undertake sickness and holiday cover in addition to their contracted hours as part of the Reception Team rota. Experience of working in a GP Practice and with EMISWeb would be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be given.

This is a part-time position working 20 hours per week. Interview dates are to be confirmed.

Main duties of the job:

• 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.

About us:

The Weobley and Staunton on Wye Practice is a rural dispensing GP Surgery, split across two locations caring for approximately 6200 patients. We are approved for GP and medical student training and were awarded a rating of Good in our last CQC review. The Practice has a firm commitment to offer an excellent standard of care to its patients and our aim is to develop local, modern health services so that our patients can be treated close to where they live.

Job responsibilities:

• Administration: To have a thorough knowledge of all Practice procedures. To work in accordance of written protocols. Filing post in medical records via Docman system. Photocopy and email as requested. Ensure courier takes all documentation and samples at the appropriate time. Open and distribute incoming mail.
• Reception: Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and other visitors to the practice. Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments. Using your own judgement and communication skills ensure that patients with no prior appointment but who need urgent consultation are seen in a logical and non-disruptive manner. Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure procedures are completed. Handing completed repeat prescriptions to patients and checking names and addresses. Be able to cover all reception positions as necessary. Prepare lists and notes for all surgeries and clinics held, ensuring completion of all associated paperwork.
• Appointments: Process appointment requests for today and future appointments from patients by telephone and in person. Enter requests for home visits into the visit book, ensuring careful recording of all relevant details and where necessary refer to Duty Doctor.
• Computer: Registrations of new patients computer data entry and medical records. Process patients change of address computer data and medical records (have knowledge of Practice area).
• Telephone: Receive and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery. Have working knowledge of telephone/bleep system, during and after hours.
• Other Tasks: Open up premises at the start of the day when first to arrive, de-activate alarm and make all the necessary preparations to receive patients. Ensure all Health & Safety checks are undertaken within the desired timescales as indicated in the Practices Health & Safety Policy. When last to leave at the end of the day, ensure that the building is totally secured, internal lights are off, all electrical equipment has been turned off and the alarm activated. Make and serve refreshments for the doctors.

Person Specification:

• Skills & Abilities: Ability to organise own tasks and work systematically. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Excellent communicator both verbally and written demonstrated with people at all levels and in all circumstances. Ability to respect confidentiality at all times. An enquiring mind with a willingness to learn new skills and procedures.
• Experience: Computer literate with excellent keyboard skills. Self-starter, able to work on own initiative, following set procedures and protocols. Use of clinical system software e.g. EMIS. Reception/Customer Care experience. Demonstrate an understanding and commitment to good standards of patient care. Enjoys working as part of a Primary Care Team. Sensitive to the concerns of others without being disproportionately influenced by them. Flexible in approach to work and ability to cover colleagues during leave/busy periods. Understanding of and commitment to Health & Safety in the workplace.
• Qualifications: Good level of education to GCSE standard or equivalent.
• Personal Attributes: Be able to demonstrate an understanding and commitment to working within a large Primary Care Team. Ability to remain calm under pressure. Capable of working supervised and unsupervised. Capable of consistent accuracy and concentration under pressure. Objective and impartial. Keen to learn new skills. Self-motivated but aware of limits of authority. Pragmatic approach to day-to-day irritations.

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.