About this role
Job summary
Barrington Medical Centre are recruiting to a temporary position covering maternity leave from mid to late September 2026 for approximately 10 months. As a Receptionist at Barrington Medical Centre, you will play a key role in ensuring patients feel supported, listened to and guided to the right care at the right time, while working closely with a friendly multidisciplinary healthcare team.
This is a varied, fast-paced and people-focused role where no two days are the same, perfect for someone who thrives on organisation, communication and delivering excellent patient service.
The role is expected to commence in mid to late September 2026 as maternity cover for an existing member of the reception team.
You should work with us if you are motivated by purpose, enjoy teamwork, and want to contribute to high-quality healthcare within your local community. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities to learn and develop, and the chance to be part of a practice that genuinely values both patients and staff.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a Receptionist to work 23 hours per week over 4 days as part of a reception rota system. Shifts will include 8.00am starts and 6.30pm finishes.
This is a fixed-term maternity cover post expected to commence in mid to late September 2026. The role is anticipated to last approximately 9 months, although this may vary depending on the substantive postholders return date and could be extended up to 12 months.
The role focuses on being the first point of contact for patients and ensuring their experience with the practice is smooth, respectful and efficient. You will manage day-to-day interactions at reception and on the telephone, help patients access the most appropriate services, and support the wider clinical and administrative teams by handling information accurately and sensitively.
Working within a busy GP practice environment, you will play an important part in keeping the surgery running effectively, balancing patient needs with administrative responsibilities throughout the day.
About us
Barrington Medical Centre is a friendly, forward-thinking GP practice based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. We are committed to delivering high-quality patient care within a supportive and collaborative working environment.
We are a busy training practice with a strong multidisciplinary team including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare assistants, reception and administrative staff. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate, patient-centred care while continuing to develop and improve the services we offer to our local community.
We understand the importance of teamwork, flexibility and supporting one another in what can often be a demanding but rewarding environment.
Job description Job responsibilities
Maintain and monitor the practice appointment system
Process personal, telephone and online requests for appointments
Answer incoming telephone calls, transferring calls or dealing with requests appropriately
Signpost patients to the most appropriate service
Initiate contact with and respond to requests from patients, colleagues and external agencies
Once trained, clinically code information onto EMIS
Photocopy, scan and process documentation as required
Register new and temporary patients and update patient demographics where required
Input data into patient healthcare records as necessary
Direct requests for information, including SARs, insurance reports and DVLA forms, to the relevant team
Manage queries efficiently and sensitively
Carry out system searches as requested
Maintain a clean, tidy and effective working area at all times
Monitor and maintain the reception area and patient notice boards
Support clinical and administrative staff with general tasks as requested
Work flexibly as part of the wider reception and administrative team
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
GCSE Grade A to C in English & Maths
Desirable
Hold a qualification in customer service
Experience Essential
Experience of working with the general public
Desirable
Desirable Experience of administrative duties Experience of working in a healthcare setting Previous GP practice experience
Skills Essential
Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) Strong IT skills Clear, polite and professional telephone manner Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Outlook Effective time management and organisational skills Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Good interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills Ability to follow policy and procedure
Desirable
EMIS Web 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 Barrington Medical Centre Partnership
Address Altrincham Health & Wellbeing Centre
33 Market Street
Altrincham
Cheshire
WA14 1PF
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.barringtonmc.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)