About this role
Job summary
Join Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group as a full-time GP Receptionist, primarily based at Heathway Medical Centre in Dagenham. You will be a welcoming first point of contact for patients and a valued member of our friendly and supportive practice team.
We are looking for someone reliable, organised and confident communicating with people face to face. Previous GP reception experience is an advantage, but not essential. We also welcome applicants with strong customer service experience who enjoy helping people, can manage a variety of tasks and are quick to learn new online systems.
Good IT skills, excellent communication and a friendly, professional approach are essential.
This is a fixed-term position until 8 August 2027, with the possibility of extension. The role is 37.5 hours per week, working varied shifts between 07:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Pay is £12.71 per hour.
Our wider practice group offers opportunities to gain experience, develop new skills and apply for permanent positions as vacancies arise.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.
Main duties of the job
As a GP Receptionist, you will play an important role in supporting patients and helping the practice run smoothly. Your daily responsibilities will include:
Welcoming patients and visitors, providing friendly and professional assistance.
Responding to patient enquiries face to face, by telephone and through online systems.
Helping patients access appropriate services, including assisting with online appointment requests.
Using our clinical system (EMIS Web) and other digital platforms to manage patient information and administrative tasks.
Processing patient requests, including prescriptions, test-related enquiries and general correspondence.
Supporting GPs, nurses and other team members with day-to-day administrative duties.
Maintaining accurate records and handling confidential information appropriately.
Working closely with colleagues to provide a positive experience for patients.
Full training and guidance on our practice systems and procedures will be provided. We value teamwork, initiative and a willingness to learn.
About us
Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group is a well-established group of GP practices providing NHS primary care services to local communities across Barking and Dagenham.
Our dedicated team of GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, receptionists and administrative staff work together to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
We embrace modern technology and digital solutions to improve patient access and streamline our daily work. Our practices use electronic clinical records, online patient services and digital communication tools to support efficient and effective care.
We believe our staff are our greatest asset and value teamwork, mutual respect, professionalism and a positive working atmosphere. We encourage new ideas, support continuous learning and provide guidance and training to help colleagues develop their confidence and skills.
As part of a wider practice group, employees can gain valuable experience and explore career development opportunities, including applying for permanent positions as vacancies arise.
We offer a supportive working environment and access to the NHS Pension Scheme, subject to eligibility.
Job description Job responsibilities Job Description GP Receptionist
Organisation: Dr Sharma & Rai Practice GroupPrimary Location: Heathway Medical Centre, DagenhamContract: Full-time, fixed-term until 8 August 2027, with the possibility of extensionHours: 37.5 hours per week, with varied shifts between 07:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Job PurposeTo provide a friendly, professional and efficient reception and administrative service to patients, visitors and healthcare professionals.
The GP Receptionist plays an important role in supporting patients to access healthcare services, maintaining accurate records and assisting the wider practice team with daily operations.
The successful candidate will be based primarily at Heathway Medical Centre, with occasional cover at other practices within Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group where required.
Key Responsibilities1. Patient Reception and Customer Service
Welcome patients and visitors in a friendly, helpful and professional manner.
Act as a first point of contact for patients attending the practice.
Respond to patient enquiries face to face, by telephone and through digital communication systems.
Assist patients with appointment requests and provide information about available services.
Support patients who may require additional assistance accessing healthcare services.
Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients from different backgrounds and with varying needs.
Handle patient concerns and difficult situations calmly, professionally and respectfully, referring matters to senior colleagues when appropriate.
Maintain a welcoming, organised and professional reception environment.
2. Appointment Management and Patient Access
Support patients with accessing appointments and services in accordance with practice procedures.
Assist patients in using online consultation and appointment request systems.
Provide guidance on accessing the NHS App and other available digital services.
Process appointment requests, cancellations and changes as directed by practice procedures.
Signpost patients to appropriate services using established practice guidance and care navigation procedures.
Escalate urgent concerns or clinical queries to the appropriate healthcare professional without providing clinical advice.
Help ensure patients receive clear and accurate information about practice services.
3. Clinical Systems and Digital Administration
Use EMIS Web and other practice systems to access and update patient information accurately.
Process patient requests received through online platforms and electronic communication systems.
Scan, upload and attach relevant documents to patient records.
Record patient interactions and administrative activities appropriately.
Support the processing of incoming correspondence and electronic documents.
Maintain accurate records while following confidentiality and information governance requirements.
Learn and confidently use new digital systems as introduced by the practice.
4. General Administrative Duties
Process routine patient enquiries relating to prescriptions, test requests, referrals and other practice services in accordance with established procedures.
Assist with the collection and distribution of forms, letters and other documents.
Support the preparation and processing of administrative correspondence.
Liaise with hospitals, pharmacies, community healthcare providers and other external organisations when required.
Maintain accurate records and ensure administrative tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Support clinical and non-clinical colleagues with general administrative tasks.
Assist with maintaining an organised and efficient reception and office environment.
5. Teamwork and Communication
Work collaboratively with reception colleagues, GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and administrative staff.
Communicate effectively with colleagues to support the smooth running of the practice.
Provide reception cover and assistance to colleagues when required.
Share relevant information with appropriate team members to ensure continuity of service.
Participate in team meetings, training and development activities.
Contribute positively to a respectful, supportive and professional working environment.
6. Confidentiality, Safety and Professional Standards
Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with data protection and information governance requirements.
Follow practice policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and equality and diversity.
Recognise and appropriately escalate safeguarding concerns or situations requiring clinical attention.
Treat all patients, visitors and colleagues with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
Work within the boundaries of the receptionist role and seek guidance when necessary.
Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance.
Training and DevelopmentFull induction and training on practice-specific systems and procedures will be provided.
Previous experience in a GP practice and familiarity with EMIS Web would be advantageous but are not essential.
We welcome candidates with experience in customer-facing roles who demonstrate strong communication skills, a positive attitude, good computer skills and a willingness to learn.
As part of Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group, employees may have opportunities to develop additional skills, gain experience across different practice functions and apply for permanent vacancies as they arise.
Additional InformationThe successful candidate must be flexible in their working hours and available for different shifts within the practice's core opening hours.
This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the position and may be reviewed or adapted to meet the operational needs of the practice, within the appropriate scope of the role.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience in a customer-facing role involving regular face-to-face interaction with members of the public Experience of handling customer enquiries and providing friendly, professional service Experience of using computers and digital systems as part of daily work Experience of working as part of a team and managing different tasks and responsibilities
Desirable
Previous experience working as a GP Receptionist or in a healthcare reception environment Experience using EMIS Web or a similar clinical system Experience using online appointment booking, patient management or digital communication systems Experience working in a busy reception or administrative environment
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a friendly and professional approach Good IT skills, including confidence using computers, email and online systems Ability to learn new software and digital systems quickly Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks accurately Reliable, punctual and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team Ability to remain calm, patient and professional when dealing with challenging situations Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and handling personal information securely Willingness to learn, take initiative and adapt to changing priorities Flexibility to work various shifts between 07:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday
Desirable
Knowledge of how GP practices and NHS primary care services operate Familiarity with EMIS Web, online consultation systems or similar healthcare software Understanding of patient confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding in a healthcare setting Ability to support patients with accessing online healthcare services, including the NHS App Interest in developing additional administrative and healthcare-related skills
Qualifications Desirable
GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications Relevant qualification in customer service, business administration or healthcare
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Heathway Medical Centre
Address Morland Road
Dagenham
Essex
RM10 9HU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://heathwaymedicalcentre.com/ (Opens in a new tab)