Medical Receptionist

• Work in a busy reception and administration team greeting patients at reception and directing them to the relevant practitioner.
• Answering telephone calls and promptly dealing with patient queries to meet their needs.
• Signposting patients to alternative services where required.
• Dealing with requests from Patients to access on line services
• Other administrative duties as requried
• To work at either the Kenton or Benwell surgery as reqruied

• Provide a professional, friendly and welcoming service to patients, visitors and healthcare professionals.
• Act as the first point of contact for patients attending the surgery or contacting the practice via telephone or online services.
• Direct patients to the most appropriate clinician or healthcare service
• Assist patients who require urgent medical attention and follow the triage/oncall protocol
• Monitor patient flow within the waiting area and keep patients informed of delays.

• Manage the computerised appointment system SystmOne
• Book, amend and cancel appointments for GPs, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare assistants and other clinicians.
• Process appointment requests through telephone, online access systems and face-to-face enquiries.
• Record requests for home visits in accordance with practice protocols.

• Answer incoming calls promptly and efficiently.
• Handle a high volume of calls while maintaining professionalism and patient confidentiality.
• Accurately record messages and forward them to clinicians or relevant team members.
• Communicate effectively with external healthcare organisations including hospitals, community services, pharmacies and laboratories.

• Process new patient registrations in line with practice procedures.
• Maintain and update patient records accurately.
• Scan and file clinical correspondence including hospital letters, discharge summaries, laboratory reports and referral documents.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence via post and electronic systems.

• Process repeat prescription requests from patients and pharmacies through telephone, online services and email.
• Ensure prescription requests are processed in line with practice procedures.
• Assist with issuing test results and clinical information where appropriate.
• Ensure specimens are recorded, labelled and sent to the laboratory using the designated courier service.
• Ensure hospital results and laboratory reports are passed to the appropriate clinician for review when needed.

• Promote and assist patients in registering for online services
• Respond to patient queries received through online messaging systems.

• Assist with the organisation and booking of annual reviews and seasonal flu clinics.
• Support patient recall systems for chronic disease management and annual reviews.
• Ensure consulting rooms are stocked
• Check and tidy clinical rooms

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality in accordance with GDPR
• Adhere to practice policies including Safeguarding, Infection Prevention and Control, Health and Safety, and Equality and Diversity.
• Participate in essential training including safeguarding, information governance and mandatory training

• Work effectively as part of a team including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, administrators and allied healthcare professionals.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues and external healthcare providers.
• Participate in practice meetings, training sessions

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong telephone and patient communication skills.
• Good organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment.
• Ability to use initiative and prioritise workload.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Essential

• Skills in dealing with public
• Able to work under pressure at times
• Able to answer calls promptly

Desirable

• - Knowledge of NHS and primary care

Essential

• - Ability to work in a confidential manner

Desirable

• - Reception/customer service experience

Essential

• Smart appearance
• Flexible/adaptable
• Ability to work as part of team
• Mature approach
• Confidentiality

Desirable

• - Sense of humour and ability to deal sensitively with the public at times

Essential

• Good communication and telephone skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to use own initiative

Desirable

• - Computer experience