At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage appointments and provide excellent reception service in a busy healthcare environment.
- Company: Join the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, committed to patient care and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting developments in healthcare and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong communication skills, and previous customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 27106 - 28850 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a part‑time Receptionist / Appointment scheduler to join the Respiratory Department at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly organised, and motivated individual to join our busy team as a part‑time Band 3 Receptionist. This role involves working cross sites collaboratively within an office environment, with responsibility for managing and prioritising a varied workload to ensure all receptionist and appointment booking duties are carried out efficiently, in line with clinical urgency and the Trust’s Patient Access Policy. Working Monday to Thursday, 08:30 – 16:30, 30 hours.
Main duties of the job:
- The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise workload effectively.
- They will have first‑class communication skills, maintaining a professional and approachable manner when speaking with patients and colleagues, along with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in booking appointments and uploading documents to Cerner.
- They will have an understanding of the sensitive nature of the work and be able to handle patient information in strict confidence.
- A flexible, proactive, and collaborative approach to work is also key.
- The post holder will provide a comprehensive and efficient reception service within the Respiratory department across sites, including checking patients in on arrival, booking them for appointments, and ensuring they are checked out appropriately after their clinic visit.
- The role also involves arranging follow‑up appointments, scanning and uploading documents to Cerner PowerChart in line with the Trust’s Secure and Share Policy, and updating patient information on relevant systems as required.
- The post holder will communicate professionally with patients and their families, both face‑to‑face and over the phone, and will work closely with clinicians, nursing staff, service managers, and administrative colleagues to support the delivery of an effective and patient‑focused Respiratory service.
Working for our organisation:
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are empowerment, compassion, professionalism and inclusion.
Person specification:
Education and qualifications:
- Good standard of general education (GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths)
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Business Administration or equivalent experience
Knowledge:
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Good IT skills (Microsoft Office and data entry systems)
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
- Knowledge of NHS outpatient processes and RTT pathways
- Understanding of the Trust’s Patient Access Policy
Experience:
- Previous experience in a receptionist, administrative, or customer service role
- Experience of working in a busy environment
- Previous NHS or healthcare setting experience
- Experience using PAS systems (e.g., ERS, Cerner / PowerChart)
Band 3- Receptionist / Appointment scheduler, Respiratory in Watford employer: Westhertshospitals
West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and development, offering a supportive work culture where innovation in patient care is encouraged. With exciting developments underway, including a new hospital and a focus on digital healthcare, employees can look forward to meaningful growth opportunities while contributing to excellent patient care in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 3- Receptionist / Appointment scheduler, Respiratory in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Receptionist in the Respiratory Department. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be interacting with patients and colleagues, it’s crucial to convey professionalism and approachability. Try role-playing common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees at West Herts - General Staffing on LinkedIn or other platforms. They might share insights about the team culture or even tips for the interview process that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to excellent patient care.
We think you need these skills to ace Band 3- Receptionist / Appointment scheduler, Respiratory in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights the skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how your organisational skills and attention to detail shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your personality! Explain why you’re excited about the role and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it professional but let your enthusiasm come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves interacting with patients and colleagues, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any errors!
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 details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westhertshospitals
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Receptionist / Appointment Scheduler in the Respiratory Department. Familiarise yourself with the key duties mentioned in the job description, such as managing appointments and handling patient information. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires excellent organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or prioritised workloads. Be ready to discuss how you handle busy environments and ensure that you maintain accuracy and attention to detail, especially when booking appointments.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As you'll be interacting with patients and colleagues regularly, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice answering common interview questions clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play scenarios where you have to explain processes to patients or collaborate with team members, highlighting your professional and approachable manner.
✨Understand Confidentiality and Patient Care
Given the sensitive nature of the work, be prepared to discuss your understanding of confidentiality and data protection. Think about how you would handle patient information and ensure compliance with the Trust’s Patient Access Policy. Showing that you value patient care and can handle sensitive information responsibly will set you apart.
