Receptionist @ The Lunesdale Surgery

Job summary

Lunesdale Surgery is looking for a friendly, organised and reliable Receptionist to join our busy and supportive practice team.

Our reception team plays a vital role within the surgery and is often the first point of contact for our patients. We are looking for someone who is approachable, empathetic and confident communicating with a wide range of people, while also being able to remain calm and organised in a busy working environment.

The post is for approximately 30 hours per week and will include one 6.30pm finish each week.

Previous experience within general practice, the NHS or a healthcare environment would be helpful, but is not essential. Full training will be provided.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work as part of our reception and administrative team and will undertake a varied range of duties, including:

• Welcoming patients and dealing with face-to-face enquiries
• Answering incoming telephone calls
• Helping patients access the most appropriate service or member of the practice team
• Booking, changing and cancelling appointments
• Processing electronic, written and telephone communications
• Processing patient registrations and deductions
• Supporting document management and general administrative processes
• Liaising with GPs, nurses and other members of the wider practice team
• Maintaining accurate patient information on the clinical system
• Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Providing support and cover for colleagues across the reception team
• Undertaking other appropriate administrative duties as required

The role can be fast-paced, with competing demands throughout the day. The successful applicant will therefore need to be able to prioritise their workload, communicate clearly and professionally, and maintain a helpful and empathetic approach when dealing with patients.

About us

Lunesdale Surgery is a friendly rural GP practice based in Kirkby Lonsdale, with a branch surgery in Hornby, providing care to approximately 6,500 patients.

We are a close-knit and supportive team and pride ourselves on providing a personal and welcoming service to our patients while continuing to develop and modernise the way we work.

Our team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare professionals, dispensary, reception and administrative staff, alongside colleagues working through our Primary Care Network.

We are also a training practice and regularly support the development of future healthcare professionals.

The successful candidate will be joining an experienced team and will receive appropriate training and support to develop their knowledge and confidence within the role.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide a friendly, efficient and professional reception service to patients and visitors and to support the smooth day-to-day running of the practice.

The Receptionist will act as an important first point of contact for patients and will work closely with clinical, administrative and dispensary colleagues.

Main responsibilities

The main duties of the role include:

• Greeting patients and visitors in a friendly and professional manner
• Answering telephone calls and dealing with enquiries appropriately
• Booking, changing and cancelling appointments
• Helping patients access the most appropriate member of the practice team or service
• Processing electronic, written and telephone communications
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Processing patient registrations and deductions
• Supporting document management and other administrative processes
• Liaising with GPs, nurses and other members of the practice team
• Handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately
• Providing reception and administrative cover for colleagues when required
• Completing general administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the practice

General responsibilities

The post holder will be expected to:

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Work in accordance with practice policies and procedures
• Treat patients and colleagues with dignity, respect and courtesy
• Work effectively as part of the wider practice team
• Attend appropriate training and staff meetings
• Maintain a flexible approach to the needs of the practice
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role

This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time in line with the needs of the practice.

Person Specification

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Friendly, approachable and professional manner
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm in a busy and sometimes pressured environment
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Reliable and punctual
• Flexible approach to work
• Empathetic and considerate manner
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Positive and helpful attitude
• Willingness to learn and develop

Desirable

• Knowledge of confidentiality and information governance
• Understanding of how general practice works
• Awareness of the importance of patient-centred care and appropriate signposting

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Basic IT skills

Desirable

• Relevant customer service, administration or healthcare qualification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with the public, customers or patients
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Experience of using computers as part of a working environment

Desirable

• Previous experience in a GP practice, NHS or healthcare setting
• Previous reception or administrative experience
• Experience of using clinical or healthcare IT systems
• Experience of dealing with sensitive or difficult situations

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

The Lunesdale Surgery

Address

Wellington Court

Kirkby Lonsdale

Carnforth

Lancashire

LA6 2HQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.lunesdalesurgery.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)