At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Patient Access Coordinator, supporting patients and clinicians in a busy GP practice.
- Company: Heron Medical Practice, a friendly and progressive healthcare provider.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a supportive team and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to high-quality patient service and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, experience in customer service or administration preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
The Heron Medical Practice are currently recruiting for a GP Receptionist to join our team on a part-time basis. This position is based in a busy, patient-facing reception environment, so we are looking for someone who is comfortable working at pace and able to stay calm under pressure. You'll be part of a high-volume front-line team, supporting patients and clinicians throughout the day.
As shift patterns are an important part of this role, we encourage applicants to ensure the hours listed below work for them before applying. The position available is over five days, totalling 33.75 hours per week:
- Tuesday: 12:30 - 18:30 = 6
- Thursday: 12:30 - 18:30 = 6
- Friday: 12:30 - 18:30 = 6
Within your application, please tell us a little about your experience and why you're interested in working in primary care. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of suitable applications. Interview dates (telephone and face-to-face) are scheduled in advance, and we kindly ask applicants to ensure availability on the following dates: Face to Face Interviews: Friday 5th June 2026.
Main duties of the job
As a Receptionist, you will be responsible for undertaking a wide range of reception duties and the provision of general support to the multidisciplinary team. Duties can include but are not limited to:
- Greeting and directing patients
- Effective use of the appointment system
- Booking appointments
- Processing of information
- Assisting patients as required
- Acting as the central point of contact for patients
- Distribution of information, messages and enquiries for the clinical team
- Liaising with multidisciplinary team members and external agencies such as secondary care and community service providers
About us
The Heron Medical Practice is an 8 Partner general medical practice with a wide-ranging patient demographic based in Herne Bay and Hersden. The Practice team is passionate about providing a high-quality service to our patients, as well as maintaining a high level of professionalism. Our work environment boasts strong team-working ethics.
We have a strong team of allied health professionals including a Practice Pharmacist, a Community Pharmacist, a Paramedic, Practice Nurses and HCAs. The Practice prides themselves on holding numerous accreditations to look after our employees. We have been awarded GOLD for investing in our people and hold a PLATINUM award for being a 'green' practice in Kent. If you would like to be part of a friendly and progressive practice, then we would like to hear from you.
Due to confidentiality and governance considerations, the successful applicant cannot be registered as a patient at our practice.
Job responsibilities
The following are the core responsibilities of the receptionist. There may be on occasion, a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent upon factors such as workload and staffing levels:
- Maintaining and monitoring the practice appointment system
- Answer incoming phone calls, transferring calls or dealing with the caller's request appropriately
- Signpost patients to the correct service
- Initiating contact with and responding to requests from patients, team members and external agencies
- Photocopy documentation as required
- Data entry of temporary registrations and relevant patient information as required
- Input data into the patients' healthcare records as necessary
- Direct requests for information i.e. SAR, insurance/solicitors letters and DVLA forms to the Medical Secretaries
- Manage all queries as necessary in an efficient manner
- Carry out system searches as requested
- Retrieve and file medical records
- Maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times
- Monitor and maintain the reception area and notice boards
- Support all clinical staff with general tasks as requested
Person Specification
Experience
- Experience of working with the general public
- Experience of administrative duties
- Experience of working in a GP Surgery
Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
- GCSE Mathematics & English (C or above)
- AMSPAR Receptionists Qualification
- NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care
Skills
- Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
- Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
- Good interpersonal skills
- Problem solving & analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Competent in the use of Office and Outlook
- Clear, polite telephone manner
- EMIS user
Other requirements
- Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
Personal Qualities
- Polite and confident
- Flexible and cooperative
- Motivated
- Forward thinker
- High levels of integrity and loyalty
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure
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.
Patient Access Coordinator—GP Practice (Part-Time) in Herne Bay employer: The Heron Medical Practice
The Heron Medical Practice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where teamwork and professionalism are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee development and well-being, we provide numerous accreditations and awards that reflect our dedication to investing in our staff. Join us in Herne Bay for a rewarding role that not only allows you to make a difference in patients' lives but also fosters personal and professional growth within a friendly and progressive practice.
Contact Details:
The Heron Medical Practice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Access Coordinator—GP Practice (Part-Time) in Herne Bay
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the practice! Research The Heron Medical Practice and understand their values and services. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to patient care and reception duties. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and improve your communication skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your experience! Think of specific examples from your past roles where you've demonstrated excellent customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These stories will make you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team at The Heron Medical Practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Access Coordinator—GP Practice (Part-Time) in Herne Bay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience:When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight any experience you've got working with the public or in admin roles. We want to see how your background fits with the busy, patient-facing environment we have at Heron Medical Practice.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and get straight to why you’re interested in primary care and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Check Your Availability:Before you hit send, double-check that the shift patterns work for you. We’re looking for someone who can commit to the hours listed, so make sure you’re on board with that before applying.
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 you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Heron Medical Practice
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Patient Access Coordinator. Familiarise yourself with the duties listed in the job description, such as managing appointments and assisting patients. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with the public and in administrative roles. Think of specific examples where you've excelled under pressure or provided excellent customer service. This will show the interviewers that you have the skills they’re looking for.
✨Practice Calmness Under Pressure
Since the role involves a busy reception environment, practice answering questions while maintaining a calm demeanour. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to simulate the pressure of a real interview. This will help you feel more at ease when it’s your turn.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the practice's approach to patient care, or how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
