About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated receptionist to join our Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) team at Colchester Hospital. This role covers both the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) and Emergency Department (ED) reception areas.
UTC Reception is located at the hospital's main entrance and is responsible for booking and registering all walk-in patients for both UTC and ED. ED Reception is situated within the Initial Assessment area and manages the registration of patients arriving by ambulance. There also may be requirement for travel to Clacton and Harwich hospitals, which are the sister sites for the UTC, to cover Reception.
Both areas operate 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.
As a UEC Receptionist, you will play a vital role in providing an efficient and welcoming reception service to patients and visitors. You will ensure accurate recording of patient details and generate the necessary documentation to support safe and timely care. This position is key to creating a positive first impression of the Trust and the department.
You must be able to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Interview date 9th June
Main duties of the job
Register and book patients into UTC and ED using EPIC. Accurately record patient information and maintain confidentiality. Act as the first point of contact for patients and relatives, both face-to-face and via telephone. Provide directions or accompany relatives within ED and UTC. Respond to telephone queries promptly and professionally. Scan and upload relevant documentation to patient records. Liaise with clinical staff to ensure patient needs are met. Demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills. Maintain a friendly and approachable manner at all times.
About us
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what's widely regarded as the world's best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.
Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Job description Job responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Secondary Education English Language Qualification
Desirable
Any administrative/Office qualifications/experience relevant to the role Identify an unwell patient
Experience Essential
Excellent IT and Computer Literacy Skills Able to work under Pressure and as part of a Team Excellent Communication Skills, verbal and non-verbal Excellent Conflict Resolution skills
Desirable
Reception/Ward Clerk experience in Primary Care or Hospital based setting
Skills Essential
Car Driver (access to vehicle)
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of GDPR and Confidentiality
Desirable
Knowledge of UTC's and what they are for Knowledge of EPIC and any other NHS computer systems.
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 East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address Colchester Hospital
Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)