GP Receptionist

The successful applicant will ideally have previous NHS/GP reception or administrative experience and will be confident dealing with patients both face to face and via telephone, email and other communication methods. Previous experience using EMIS in a GP practice is essential Previous NHS or GP practice reception/administrative experience Excellent customer service and communication skills A professional and friendly telephone manner Ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers, GPs and other healthcare professionals Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, email and internet applications Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult or challenging situations Excellent organisational skills and the ability to multitask Ability to manage workload effectively and work to deadlines Flexible, enthusiastic and reliable approach to work Self-confidence, energy, determination and perseverance Ability to work effectively as part of a team Willingness and ability to provide cover for holidays and sickness High level of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism The post-holder will be responsible for providing an efficient and professional reception and administrative service to patients and the practice team.

Duties will include: Booking, cancelling and rearranging patient appointments via EMIS, telephone, face to face and email Using EMIS effectively to access and update patient records and undertake relevant administrative tasks Processing prescription requests in accordance with practice procedures Handling patient enquiries and requests appropriately and efficiently Responding to telephone calls, emails and face-to-face enquiries Liaising with GPs, practice staff, hospitals and other community healthcare providers Handling requests from patients and GPs and ensuring these are directed to the appropriate member of the team Signposting patients to appropriate services where required Processing correspondence and administrative tasks accurately Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient information Ensuring all work is completed in accordance with practice policies and procedures Supporting colleagues and providing reception cover when required The post-holder will strive to maintain high standards of quality within the practice and will: Alert team members to issues relating to quality, safety and risk Take responsibility for their own performance and actions Contribute positively to team effectiveness and suggest improvements to practice processes Work effectively with colleagues and external healthcare providers to meet patients' needs Manage their own time, workload and resources effectively Participate in relevant audits and quality improvement activities where appropriate Follow practice policies, procedures, standards and clinical guidance relevant to the role The post-holder will have access to confidential and sensitive information relating to patients, carers, practice staff, healthcare professionals and the practice as a business. All information must be treated as strictly confidential and handled in accordance with practice policies, confidentiality requirements and current data protection legislation.

Information may only be shared with authorised individuals and in accordance with practice procedures. The post-holder will: Comply with the practice's health and safety and infection prevention and control policies Complete all mandatory training relevant to the role Maintain a safe, clean and tidy working environment Identify and report health and safety or infection control risks promptly Follow appropriate procedures to minimise risks to patients, visitors and staff Use workplace security systems appropriately Maintain high standards of cleanliness within reception, administrative and patient-facing areas Report hazards and take appropriate corrective action where required The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues by: Treating everyone with dignity, respect and professionalism Respecting patients' privacy, dignity, needs, beliefs and individual circumstances Providing a welcoming, non-judgemental and inclusive service Recognising and responding appropriately to individual communication needs Working in accordance with practice policies and current equality and diversity legislation Participate in training relevant to the role and the running of the practice Complete mandatory and role-specific training within required timescales Participate in an annual performance review Take responsibility for maintaining their own knowledge, skills and development Identify learning needs and undertake relevant training Share knowledge and good practice with colleagues where appropriate Effective communication is an essential part of the role.

The post-holder will: Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, carers, colleagues, GPs and other healthcare professionals Maintain a professional and empathetic approach when dealing with patients Recognise individual communication needs and adapt communication accordingly Ensure messages and requests are recorded and passed to the appropriate person accurately Contribute to improving communication within the practice The post-holder will work closely with external healthcare providers and organisations, including: Hospitals and outpatient departments Other GP practices Community healthcare services Other NHS and healthcare providers They will ensure requests and information are communicated accurately and efficiently and that appropriate follow-up action is taken where required. The post-holder is expected to work flexibly as part of the practice team and undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

The above job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed and amended in line with the needs of the practice. Previous hands-on experience using EMIS within a GP practice is essential for this role.

Candidates who do not have EMIS experience will not be shortlisted.