About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a friendly, organised, and motivated Receptionist/Secretary to join our busy and supportive team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, providing outstanding customer service, and playing a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.
As the first point of contact, you will welcome visitors, handle telephone enquiries, manage appointments, and provide administrative and secretarial support to the wider team. The role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Main duties of the job
The Receptionist/Medical Secretary will provide efficient administrative and secretarial support to ensure the smooth running of the practice. Key duties include greeting patients and visitors, answering telephone calls, booking and managing appointments, handling patient enquiries, maintaining accurate records, processing correspondence, and providing administrative support to clinical staff.
The role also involves preparing and managing referrals, typing and processing medical letters, liaising with hospitals and other healthcare professionals, filing documents, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, and ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
About us
Whitwell Surgery is a friendly and patient-focused NHS GP practice located in Whitwell, Hertfordshire. We are committed to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare services to our local community in a safe, caring, and professional environment. Our dedicated multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive primary care, supporting patients with their physical and mental health needs throughout all stages of life.
We offer a wide range of services, including GP consultations, chronic disease management, vaccinations, health promotion, prescription services, and referrals to specialist care. At Whitwell Surgery, we strive to provide excellent patient care, promote wellbeing, and continuously improve our services through patient feedback and engagement with our Patient Participation Group. We value teamwork, respect, compassion, and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of care to our patients.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Receptionist/Medical Secretary will provide efficient administrative and secretarial support to ensure the smooth running of the practice. Key duties include greeting patients and visitors, answering telephone calls, booking and managing appointments, handling patient enquiries, maintaining accurate records, processing correspondence, and providing administrative support to clinical staff.
The role also involves preparing and managing referrals, typing and processing medical letters, liaising with hospitals and other healthcare professionals, filing documents, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, and ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Skills Essential
. Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. . Ability to process e-RS referrals accurately and efficiently. . Ability to handle telephone calls professionally and manage patient enquiries effectively. . Strong attention to detail when dealing with patient information and clinical correspondence. . Good organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise workload. . Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy GP practice environment. . Competent IT skills, including experience with clinical systems such as System One. . Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection (GDPR).
Qualifications Essential
. Medical Secretary qualification or relevant healthcare administration training. . Experience using NHS clinical systems such as EMIS Web and the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS). . Good standard of general education. . GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above. . Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications. . Additional training in customer service, administration, or healthcare-related subjects.
Experience Essential
. Minimum 1 year experience in General Practice . Experience using clinical systems such as EMIS Web or System One. . Knowledge of NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) processes. . Experience in medical secretarial duties, including processing referrals and clinical correspondence. . Previous experience in a reception or customer service role within a healthcare setting. . Ability to work accurately with strong attention to detail, particularly when handling patient information and processing referrals. . Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload effectively. . Ability to work well as part of a team in a busy and fast-paced environment.
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 Whitwell Surgery
Address 60 High Street
Whitwell
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG4 8AG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.whitwellsurgery.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)