• Job Description

  Req#: A2660-25-0004?language=en&page=378&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  • The post holder will receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way whilst maintaining patient confidentiality. Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies.
  • To manage own workload in general practice responding to patient and practice need and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services.
  • Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the practice including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.

  Main duties of the job

  • Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice
  • Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure registration procedures are completed promptly and accurately on the computer and manually.

  • Be able to provide cover for all reception positions as necessary.

  • Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.

  • Respond to requests for information in a polite and efficient manner.

  • Initiate contact with and respond to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare agencies and providers.
  • Provide cover for members of the reception team during periods of sickness and annual leave.

  • Receive incoming and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery.
  • Action acute and repeat prescription requests and ensure that they are ready for collection by the patient within 48 hours (two working days), either on the computer or manually. Ensuring accuracy of detail and that the patient is informed of prescription policy.
  • Maintain the computer clinical system in an accurate and secure manner.

  About us

  Irwell Medical Practice is a consistently high QOF & Quality Framework achiever. In our last CQC inspection (2017) we were rated outstanding. We are an established Training Practice with 6 Partners, 7 Salaried GPs, 4 Practice Nurses, 4 Healthcare Assistants, and 1 Advanced Nurse Practitioner and a wide range of different PCN staff members, with a practice population of 15,000 and growing. Based in the centre of Bacup, Lancashire, we are a large GP training practice. We are looking for a hardworking, reliable and well-motivated flexible person to join our busy reception team who strives to ensure that our patients receive the best possible service from the Practice.

  Details

  Date posted

  13 May 2025

  Pay scheme

  Other

  Salary

  £12.21 an hour

  Contract

  Fixed term

  Duration

  12 months

  Working pattern

  Full-time, Flexible working

  Reference number

  A2660-25-0004

  Job locations

  Irwell Mill

  Rochdale Road

  Bacup

  Lancashire

  OL13 9NR

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  JOB SUMMARY

  • The post holder will receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way whilst maintaining patient confidentiality. Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies

  1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

  • To deliver a high standard of general assistance to the Practice Team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.

  2. JOB DIMENSIONS

  • To manage own workload in general practice responding to patient and practice need and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services.
  • Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the practice including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.

  3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  See person specification

  4. PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the practice reception team may include any or all of the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the Practice Manager, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels:

  RECEPTION ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice

  • Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure registration procedures are completed promptly and accurately on the computer and manually.

  • Be able to provide cover for all reception positions as necessary.

  • Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.

  Respond to requests for information in a polite and efficient manner.

  • Initiate contact with and respond to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare agencies and providers.

  Provide cover for members of the reception team during periods of sickness and annual leave.

  • Receive incoming and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery.

  • Action acute and repeat prescription requests and ensure that they are ready for collection by the patient within 48 hours (two working days), either on the computer or manually. Ensuring accuracy of detail and that the patient is informed of prescription policy.

  • Hand completed prescriptions to the patient checking names and address.

  • Maintain the computer clinical system in an accurate and secure manner.

  • Keep the reception area, notice-boards and leaflet dispensers tidy and free from obstructions and clutter

  APPOINTMENTS:

  The post-holder will:

  • Process appointment requests for today and future appointments from patients by telephone and in person.

  • Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments.

  • Use your own judgment and communication skills ensure that patients with no prior appointment but who need urgent consultation are seen in a logical and non-disruptive manner.

  • Enter requests for home visits onto the computer, ensuring careful recording of all relevant details and where necessary refer to Duty Doctor

  ADMINISTRATION ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Have a thorough knowledge of all Practice procedures and work in accordance to written protocols.

  Establish and maintain filing and administrative systems so that written or computer information is easily accessible and secure.

  Enter patient information on to the computer as required.

  • Process patients change of address computer data and medical records (have knowledge of practice area).

  Retrieve and re-file patient records and correspondence as required ensuring strict alphabetical order is adhered to.

  Assist with the gathering of statistics and information when required.

  Demonstrate knowledge of operation of modern office equipment.

  • Make and serve refreshments when required ensure the staff area is kept clean and tidy.

  At the start of the day when first to arrive, make all necessary preparations to receive patients.

  When last to leave at the end of the day, ensure that the reception area is totally secured, computers logged off.

  • Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Partners or Management.

  PROFESSIONAL ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of the role is maintained.

  • Develop and maintain a Personal Development Plan.

  • Participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment.

  • Ensure all mandatory training is completed on an annual basis including; safeguarding, confidentiality, Equality + Diversity etc.

  • Participate in annual appraisal reviews.

  • Record accurate data in patients records in accordance with Practice policy and guidelines.

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues within and external to the practice.

  • Pro-actively promote the role of the Receptionist within the Practice, and externally to key stakeholders and agencies

  • Encourage and develop teamwork within the practice.

  • Participate in practice meetings and practice management meetings, reporting progress as required. The only reason for not attending will be annual, study or sick leave.

  • Participate in audits and inspections as appropriate.

  6. HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

  The post-holder must comply at all times with the Practices Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting incidents using the organisations Incident Reporting System.

  The post-holder will comply with the Data Protection Act (1984) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990).

  7. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

  The post-holder must co-operate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

  8. RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

  The post-holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  JOB SUMMARY

  • The post holder will receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way whilst maintaining patient confidentiality. Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies

  1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

  • To deliver a high standard of general assistance to the Practice Team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.

  2. JOB DIMENSIONS

  • To manage own workload in general practice responding to patient and practice need and ensuring patient choice and ease of access to services.
  • Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the practice including the provision of clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team.

  3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  See person specification

  4. PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the practice reception team may include any or all of the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the Practice Manager, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels:

  RECEPTION ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Ensure an effective and efficient reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice

  • Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure registration procedures are completed promptly and accurately on the computer and manually.

  • Be able to provide cover for all reception positions as necessary.

  • Advise patients of relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts for same.

  Respond to requests for information in a polite and efficient manner.

  • Initiate contact with and respond to requests from patients, other team members and associated healthcare agencies and providers.

  Provide cover for members of the reception team during periods of sickness and annual leave.

  • Receive incoming and make telephone calls as required. Divert calls and take messages, ensuring accuracy of detail and prompt appropriate delivery.

  • Action acute and repeat prescription requests and ensure that they are ready for collection by the patient within 48 hours (two working days), either on the computer or manually. Ensuring accuracy of detail and that the patient is informed of prescription policy.

  • Hand completed prescriptions to the patient checking names and address.

  • Maintain the computer clinical system in an accurate and secure manner.

  • Keep the reception area, notice-boards and leaflet dispensers tidy and free from obstructions and clutter

  APPOINTMENTS:

  The post-holder will:

  • Process appointment requests for today and future appointments from patients by telephone and in person.

  • Deal with all general enquiries, explain procedures and make new and follow-up appointments.

  • Use your own judgment and communication skills ensure that patients with no prior appointment but who need urgent consultation are seen in a logical and non-disruptive manner.

  • Enter requests for home visits onto the computer, ensuring careful recording of all relevant details and where necessary refer to Duty Doctor

  ADMINISTRATION ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Have a thorough knowledge of all Practice procedures and work in accordance to written protocols.

  Establish and maintain filing and administrative systems so that written or computer information is easily accessible and secure.

  Enter patient information on to the computer as required.

  • Process patients change of address computer data and medical records (have knowledge of practice area).

  Retrieve and re-file patient records and correspondence as required ensuring strict alphabetical order is adhered to.

  Assist with the gathering of statistics and information when required.

  Demonstrate knowledge of operation of modern office equipment.

  • Make and serve refreshments when required ensure the staff area is kept clean and tidy.

  At the start of the day when first to arrive, make all necessary preparations to receive patients.

  When last to leave at the end of the day, ensure that the reception area is totally secured, computers logged off.

  • Undertake any other additional duties appropriate to the post as requested by the Partners or Management.

  PROFESSIONAL ROLE:

  The post-holder will:

  • Participate in continuing professional development opportunities to ensure that up-to-date evidence-based knowledge and competence in all aspects of the role is maintained.

  • Develop and maintain a Personal Development Plan.

  • Participate in any training programme implemented by the practice as part of this employment.

  • Ensure all mandatory training is completed on an annual basis including; safeguarding, confidentiality, Equality + Diversity etc.

  • Participate in annual appraisal reviews.

  • Record accurate data in patients records in accordance with Practice policy and guidelines.

  • Work collaboratively with colleagues within and external to the practice.

  • Pro-actively promote the role of the Receptionist within the Practice, and externally to key stakeholders and agencies

  • Encourage and develop teamwork within the practice.

  • Participate in practice meetings and practice management meetings, reporting progress as required. The only reason for not attending will be annual, study or sick leave.

  • Participate in audits and inspections as appropriate.

  6. HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

  The post-holder must comply at all times with the Practices Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures and reporting incidents using the organisations Incident Reporting System.

  The post-holder will comply with the Data Protection Act (1984) and the Access to Health Records Act (1990).

  7. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

  The post-holder must co-operate with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment. Co-workers, patients and visitors must be treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

  8. RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

  The post-holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Evidence of working as part of a team

  Desirable

  • - Working clerical experience
  • - Working Medical Receptionist experience

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • - A good standard of education
  • - Computer Literate

  Desirable

  • - Recognised typing qualification or equivalent (e.g. RSA)
  • - ECDL or equivalent
  • - AMSPAR Medical Receptionist

  Knowledge & Skills

  Essential

  • - Understanding and knowledge of basic IT packages
  • - Ability to learn and apply policies and procedures
  • - Understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues
  • - General computer skills
  • - Pleasant, helpful and effective telephone manner
  • - Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • - Time management and ability to prioritise workload
  • - Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
  • - Awareness and maintenance of confidentiality
  • - Professional approach to appearance and conduct
  • - Enthusiastic
  • - Motivated
  • - Ability to work flexible hours when required

  Desirable

  • - Experience of use of a medical software package
  • - E-mail and internet use
  • - Medical terminology
  • - Sickness level below 5%
  • - Ability to maintain records and files
  • - Ability to operate modern office equipment

  Person Specification

  Experience

  Essential

  • Evidence of working as part of a team

  Desirable

  • - Working clerical experience
  • - Working Medical Receptionist experience

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • - A good standard of education
  • - Computer Literate

  Desirable

  • - Recognised typing qualification or equivalent (e.g. RSA)
  • - ECDL or equivalent
  • - AMSPAR Medical Receptionist

  Knowledge & Skills

  Essential

  • - Understanding and knowledge of basic IT packages
  • - Ability to learn and apply policies and procedures
  • - Understanding of equal opportunity and diversity issues
  • - General computer skills
  • - Pleasant, helpful and effective telephone manner
  • - Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • - Time management and ability to prioritise workload
  • - Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
  • - Awareness and maintenance of confidentiality
  • - Professional approach to appearance and conduct
  • - Enthusiastic
  • - Motivated
  • - Ability to work flexible hours when required

  Desirable

  • - Experience of use of a medical software package
  • - E-mail and internet use
  • - Medical terminology
  • - Sickness level below 5%
  • - Ability to maintain records and files
  • - Ability to operate modern office equipment

  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

  Irwell Medical Practice

  Address

  Irwell Mill

  Rochdale Road

  Bacup

  Lancashire

  OL13 9NR

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://irwellmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Irwell Medical Practice

  Address

  Irwell Mill

  Rochdale Road

  Bacup

  Lancashire

  OL13 9NR

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://irwellmedicalpractice.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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