Receptionist
- Employer
- Arlington Road Medical Practice
- Location
- Eastbourne, BN21 1DH
- Contract
- Permanent
- Posted
- 13 August 2026
- Closing date
- 11 September 2026
Role overview
Arlington Road Medical Practice is looking for a friendly, welcoming and organised Receptionist to join our team. As the first point of contact for our patients, you will play an important front-of-house role, providing a professional, compassionate and efficient service both at the reception desk and over the telephone.
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, communicates confidently and calmly, and can work effectively as part of a busy GP practice team while ensuring patients receive the right support and information. You dont need any formal medical qualifications or previous experience in healthcare for this role great people skills are what really matter!
Full training and development will be provided as part of your induction, giving you the knowledge and confidence you need to carry out the role effectively. Youll need to be a confident and clear communicator, as youll be speaking with patients both face-to-face and over the telephone.
A good level of literacy is important, as the role involves reading and responding to information accurately. Typing and computer skills will also be a key part of the role , so youll need to be comfortable using IT and entering information accurately and efficiently.
Most importantly, were looking for someone who is friendly, approachable, patient and compassionate , with a genuine desire to help people and provide an excellent service to our patients. Providing front-of-house reception , welcoming patients into the practice, checking them in and assisting with queries in a friendly and professional manner.
Answering phone calls and dealing with patient queries. Booking, changing and cancelling appointments, including urgent and routine appointments.
Show full NHS role information
Checking and responding to messages, including clinical and administrative requests. Liaising with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and other members of the practice team.
Signposting patients to the most appropriate service, such as a pharmacist, NHS 111, community services or a clinician. Handling sensitive and confidential information while maintaining patient confidentiality and data protection.
Supporting the wider practice team with general administrative tasks. Dealing with patients in a professional, friendly and compassionate way As a Receptionist at Arlington Road Medical Practice, you will be an important part of our front-of-house team and one of the first points of contact for our patients.
Youll provide a friendly, professional and helpful service both at the reception desk and over the telephone, helping patients access the right service or healthcare professional. Alongside patient-facing responsibilities, youll provide general administrative support to the practice team, helping with the smooth running of the practice and supporting our clinical and administrative colleagues.
Good communication, a positive approach and the ability to work well as part of a team are key to the role. 1.
Reception and Patient Services Welcome patients and visitors to the practice in a friendly, professional and helpful manner. Register and check in patients for appointments and clinics.
Book, amend and cancel appointments both face-to-face and using the practices computerised appointment system. Contact patients to arrange appointments, reviews and clinics where appropriate.
Register new patients, temporary residents and other patients in accordance with practice procedures, ensuring the appropriate information and forms are completed. Receive and deal with patient queries and messages both at the reception desk and electronically, passing information to the appropriate member of the practice team when required.
Provide patients with appropriate information and signposting to help them access the most suitable service or healthcare professional. 2.
Telephones and Communication Answer incoming telephone calls in a professional, friendly and helpful manner. Book, amend and cancel appointments over the telephone.
Deal with general enquiries and provide appropriate information within the scope of the role. Communicate test results and other information to patients in accordance with practice procedures and confidentiality requirements.
Take accurate messages and ensure they are passed to the appropriate member of the practice team. Transfer calls to the appropriate person or service when necessary.
Communicate effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals, adapting communication where required to meet individual needs. 3.
Hospital Post and Samples Receive hospital correspondence and post, date stamp and sort appropriately for scanning or further action. Receive samples from patients and staff, ensuring they are logged and processed correctly.
Complete relevant forms and documentation where required. Check that samples are correctly labelled and packaged in accordance with practice procedures.
Check fridges prior to collection where required. Ensure hospital correspondence and samples are prepared and ready for collection 4.
Outgoing Mail Prepare, frank and log outgoing post in accordance with practice procedures. Ensure outgoing correspondence is handled securely and confidentially.
5. Confidential Waste and Shredding Dispose of confidential paperwork appropriately using the designated confidential waste facilities.
Ensure patient and practice information is handled and disposed of in accordance with GDPR and practice confidentiality procedures. 6.
Closing and Securing the Practice For staff working the late shift: Check that windows and external doors are securely locked. Ensure computers, equipment and lights are switched off where appropriate.
Ensure the practice is secure and the burglar alarm is set when the building is empty. Report any security concerns or issues to the appropriate person.
7. General Responsibilities Carry out any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role and level of responsibility.
Support colleagues and contribute to the smooth and effective running of the practice. Work as part of the wider practice team, maintaining a positive and professional approach at all times.
Working hours and availability will be discussed as part of the application and interview process. Please note that morning-only availability is not suitable for this position .
It is essential that candidates are able to work shifts that finish at 6:00pm and 6:30pm . The working pattern may include a combination of full-day and afternoon-only shifts.