About this role
Job summary
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our outstanding team at Berinsfield Health Centre as a Patient Support Assistant.
This role is especially rewarding thanks to our excellent appointment availability, it focuses on supporting patients rather than acting as a gatekeeper. You will rarely be in the difficult position of turning people away, instead helping them access the care they need, when they need it.
Its a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to grow professionally within a supportive, forward-thinking Practice and contribute meaningfully to our dynamic multidisciplinary teams.
Previous healthcare experience is not essential, we value a positive attitude and commitment to learning. Full training will be provided over an extended period to ensure you feel confident and well-prepared.
If you share our passion for outstanding patient care and want to be part of a friendly, dedicated team, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Patient Support Assistants are a vital part of the Practice and its multi-disciplinary Support Team. As the first point of contact for patients, whether in person, over the phone, or online, they play a key role in creating a welcoming and reassuring environment, ensuring patients feel at ease and receive the appropriate care.
The assistants engage directly with patients to understand their needs and deliver compassionate, personalised care of the highest quality. They work collaboratively with internal teams and external health partners to coordinate services and support patient wellbeing.
We expect Patient Support Assistants to demonstrate care, dedication, reliability, and a person-focused approach, as outlined in the Employee Handbook. They should enjoy working with a diverse range of people and be committed to supporting patients, families, and carers with professionalism and empathy.
Patient Support Assistants contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the Practice by ensuring every patient receives the best possible care and support.
Practice hours are 08:00 - 18:30, split into two shifts for our support team:
- Morning: 08:00 - 13:30
- Afternoon: 13:30 - 18:30
This role is to primarily cover the afternoon shifts; applicants must be able to cover at least four per week (no maximum). We also ask for flexibility in providing occasional cover or shift swaps to support colleagues during sickness or annual leave.
About us
Berinsfield Health Centre delivers timely, local healthcare that blends the best of modern medical science with traditional values of compassion, respect, and community care.
We foster a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone patients, clinicians, administrative staff, and our wider healthcare partners, including district nurses and midwives.
As a proud training practice since 1972, we are passionate about developing and supporting our staff. There is always a vibrant mix of new faces in the building, and we actively encourage all team members to play a role in mentoring and supporting students as part of our commitment to learning and growth.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Acting as point of contact for patients, answering queries in person, by phone or email, triaging and booking appointments.
Support new patient registrations complete checks and data entry, and process removals when patients leave the practice.
Processing medication requests, taking requests and passing them on for clinical review.
Keep care records current by identifying and updating any missing or outdated information about the patients circumstances. Ensuring all information is recorded, scanned, and stored in line with NHS and GDPR guidelines.
Process daily post and clinical documents, scan and upload documents to patient records, and file paperwork accurately and securely.
Review, categorise, and accurately file incoming electronic communications such as hospital letters, investigation results, and referral updates.
Advise patients of relevant charges for non-NHS services, accept payment and issue receipts and manage loaning of equipment.
Receive and handle deliveries, including immunisations, ensuring cold chain protocols are followed for temperature-sensitive items and vaccines are promptly stored in line with practice policy and NHS guidelines.
Unlock and prepare the full premises at the start of the day, and at the end, carry out closing checks and secure the building in line with practice protocols, including alarms, lighting, and safety procedures.
Take responsibility for a specific area of practice operations (e.g. patient registrations, repeat prescriptions, etc) ensuring it is delivered efficiently and accurately. Provide guidance and training to colleagues, maintain up-to-date procedures, and act as the point of contact for any queries relating to that process.
Maintain a thorough understanding of Health and Safety procedures and fire precautions and follow the correct protocols.
Work flexibly to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders, adapting to changes as necessary.
Perform any other duties deemed appropriate by the Practice Manager.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Clear and empathetic communicator, able to explain things simply and kindly to patients, colleagues, and others.
- Respectful and inclusive listener, treats people fairly, listens well, and supports individuals from all backgrounds.
- Organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and stay on top of changing demands while completing admin duties accurately and on time.
- Keen attention to detail, ensuring accurate data entry and meticulous recordkeeping, maintaining the integrity of patient information and supporting effective care management.
- Proficient in ICT, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other digital systems to carry out administrative tasks accurately and efficiently, with the ability to learn new software and systems as required.
- Commitment to providing high-quality support and a positive experience for patients and internal stakeholders.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities within the practice and willingness to undertake a variety of tasks.
- Handle complaints and challenging behaviour. Stay calm and professional, follow procedures, and resolve issues respectfully or escalate when needed.
- Demonstrates a team-player mindset by supporting colleagues, sharing updates proactively, adapting to needs, and contributing to efficient patient care.
Desirable
- Upholds confidentiality by securely handling patient information, respecting privacy protocols, and adhering to GDPR and practice guidelines.
- Ability to follow on correct procedures to ensure a safe and productive working environment.
- Proficiency in using healthcare management software (e.g., EMIS, Docman) for creating and maintaining patient records, and appointment scheduling.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols by maintaining up to date knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines.
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of education with English and Maths to GCSE (grades A-C / 9-4) or equivalent experience.
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
Berinsfield Health Centre
Address
Berinsfield Health Centre
Fane Drive
Berinsfield
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 7NE
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://berinsfieldhealthcentre.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)