Ward Receptionist - Children's Unit
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Taunton, TA1 5DA
Salary
£25,272
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
6 September 2026
6 days left
Job description
If you thrive on helping people, enjoy staying organised in a busy environment and want to make a real difference to children and families during thei...
As a Ward Receptionist, you will
- Welcome children, families and visitors, providing a professional and caring first point of contact.
- Support patient admissions, discharges and transfers, helping services run smoothly and efficiently.
- Manage appointments, patient records and general administrative processes with a high level of accuracy.
- Respond to telephone and face-to-face enquiries, providing information and directing people appropriately.
- Work closely with nursing, medical and administrative colleagues to support excellent patient care.
- Help maintain a safe, organised and welcoming environment across the Children's Unit.
- Contribute to effective communication and teamwork across different areas of the service.
- Provide flexible reception and administrative support across the Children's Unit, including weekends and service cover when required.
You'll be joining a friendly Children's Unit team that is passionate about delivering outstanding care for children and young people. This front-of-house role combines excellent customer service with important administrative responsibilities, ensuring patients and families receive a seamless experience throughout their time with us.
You will use a range of hospital systems and digital tools to support the patient journey, maintain accurate records, arrange appointments, coordinate admissions and discharges, and ensure information is available to clinical teams when needed. You'll also handle telephone enquiries, manage email communications, organise documentation and support the day-to-day administrative running of the unit.
We're looking for someone who can remain calm and professional in a busy environment, confidently manage competing priorities and communicate effectively with a wide range of people. You will need excellent organisational skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
To succeed in this role, you should have:
- A good standard of general education.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Basic keyboard and IT skills, with confidence using computer systems.
- The ability to prioritise work, multitask and meet deadlines.
- A professional, responsible and flexible approach.
- Experience working as part of a team.
- A willingness to learn new systems and use technology to improve services.
Previous receptionist experience, experience within the NHS and knowledge of Microsoft Word would be beneficial, but these are not essential as full training and support will be provided.
Because of the nature of the service, you'll occasionally support families during challenging or emotional situations. Kindness, empathy and excellent communication skills are therefore essential qualities for this role.
If you're looking for a rewarding role where your organisational skills and customer-focused approach can make a genuine difference to children, young people and their families, we look forward to receiving your application.
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education.
- Must be able to communicate in English both written and verbally.
Desirable
- ECDL or equivalent is desirable
Experience
Desirable
- Previous NHS receptionist experience desirable but full training will be given.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Basic keyboard skills
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of NHS Legislation to include Health & Safety, Infection Control, Manual Handling and Confidentiality and Data Protection Act.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word desirable but training can be given.
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
28 August 2026
Last checked
31 August 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
Explore related