Medical Receptionist

We are a busy and active practice located in Hendon (NW4), and we are currently looking to recruit a receptionist with excellent communication skills. Previous experience working in a GP surgery is essential, and full training will be provided for the right candidate. As the first point of contact for our patients both in person and over the telephone, this role plays a key part in delivering our high standard of patient care.

Main duties of the job:

• The medical receptionist role is ideal for an enthusiastic, positive and self-motivated individual who can work both independently and as part of our growing team.
• Daily duties include greeting and checking in patients, managing appointments through our clinical system, handling incoming calls, processing prescription requests, supporting online services, managing patient queries and directing patients to the appropriate clinical or administrative team.
• You will also respond to tasks from staff, liaise with community services when needed, maintain an organised reception area and support the general administrative needs of the practice.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a professional telephone manner and the ability to work calmly under pressure. Strong teamwork skills are vital along with confidence in meeting targets and handling challenging situations with professionalism and compassion.

About us:

Our existing team is friendly, supportive, and highly experienced. The practice team includes one Partner GP, eight Salaried GPs, three Practice Nurses, one Healthcare Assistant, two Pharmacists, Social Prescribers, First Contact Practitioners, a Practice Manager, Admin and Reception Managers, as well as a dedicated group of administrative and reception staff.

Job responsibilities:

• Provide an effective and efficient reception service for patients and visitors; greet patients, check them in and support them with practice processes.
• Answer telephone calls, take accurate messages and pass them on promptly.
• Manage patient queries with care, professionalism and sensitivity.
• Book, amend and cancel appointments using the practice computer system.
• Explain practice procedures to new patients and support with registration.
• Process repeat prescription requests in line with practice policies.
• Record home visit requests accurately and pass to the duty doctor.
• Maintain clear and accurate patient records on the clinical system.
• File correspondence, reports and test results in the correct records.
• Support patients using online services and help with basic system advice.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and welcoming reception and waiting area.
• Assist with light kitchen duties and ensure shared areas remain tidy.
• Open the practice when first to arrive and prepare reception for the day.
• Close the practice when last to leave, ensuring security and safety.
• Register new patients promptly and accurately.
• Carry out any reasonable duties requested by managers or partners.

Confidentiality:

The post holder will respect patient confidentiality at all times and will handle all information in line with practice policy and data protection rules.

Health and safety:

The post holder will follow all health and safety guidance, attend training, report risks and follow infection control procedures while keeping work areas clean and safe.

Equality and diversity:

The post holder will treat all patients, carers and colleagues with dignity, respect and fairness and will act in a welcoming and non-judgemental manner.

Personal and professional development:

The post holder will take part in training and annual reviews and will take responsibility for ongoing learning, development and performance.

Quality:

The post holder will support continuous quality improvement by reporting issues, suggesting improvements, working well with others and managing their time and workload effectively.

Communication:

The post holder will communicate clearly with patients, carers and colleagues and will use suitable communication methods when supporting people with different needs.

Person Specification:

• Experience working within the NHS or primary care setting, including a GP surgery.
• Understanding and adherence to strict confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to use own judgement and work independently while managing workload priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an integrated multi-skilled team.
• Flexibility in working hours and ability to work at required times.
• Experience using clinical computer systems – EMIS Web/DOCMAN.
• Knowledge of primary care processes and patient pathways.
• Experience working in a busy reception or call-handling environment.

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.