• Job Description

  Req#: A2896-26-0001?language=en&page=942&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  The Whickham Practice have a vacancy for a Medical Receptionist to join our very busy practice team. We are looking for someone enthusiastic, hard- working and conscientious. You must have good customer service skills, empathy and enjoy working within a team. Main aspects of the role are to receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way. The successful applicant will be required to work between the hours of 8.00am-7.30pm on a rota basis. Flexibility is an essential requirement as you may be required to cover annual leave or sickness absence. The post is part-time -30 hours over 5 days. Previous medical reception experience is preferred. Previous applicants need not apply.

  Main duties of the job

  Main Duties and Responsibilities. Able to work at a fast pace dealing with patients on the telephone and front desk. Able to use own initiative and also work as part of a team. Ability to learn new systems quickly. Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and visitors. Provide excellent customer service. Must be able to multitask and respond positively to change. Ensure reception, and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy Ensure that all telephone calls are answered efficiently and effectively in a professional manner. Demonstrate the core values of the practice. Be flexible as may be required to cover for sickness, holidays etc. An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.

  About us

  We are a single site practice working from a purpose built surgery and we look after approximately 15,800 patients. Our team comprises of 5 partners, 4 salaried doctors, a Paediatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Practice nurses, Health care assistants a phlebotomist, 2 GP assistants and well supported by a full complement of highly experienced administrators and reception staff. We are also a member of Gateshead Inner West PCN and are able to share a complex care team, social prescribing link workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists with 4 other PCN practices. We use the EMIS Web clinical system, our document management team code incoming information and we have one of the highest numbers of patients in the area using online services. As a Practice we encourage and support staff development. Unfortunately we are unable to offer Sponsorship.

  Details

  Date posted

  02 February 2026

  Pay scheme

  Other

  Salary

  Depending on experience £12.84 starting rate of pay increasing to £12.96

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Part-time

  Reference number

  A2896-26-0001

  Job locations

  Whickham Cottage Medical Centre

  Rectory Lane

  Whickham

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  NE16 4PD

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  WHICKHAM PRACTICE JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Medical Receptionist Reports to: Reception Supervisors Purpose of Post: Act as point of contact for patients and a focal point of communication between patients, doctors and other staff. Organisational Chart: GPs Practice Manager Assistant Practice Manager Reception Supervisors Receptionists The Whickham Practice has 5 full-time partners, 2 GP registrar and 4 salaried GPs. There are 5 nurses, 2 health care assistants, 1 phlebotomist, a GP assistant and 25 ancillary staff who look after approximately 15,800 patients. Main Duties: 1.General Reception Duties Respond promptly and politely to all requests for assistance from patients and visitors. Explain practice services to new patients, temporary residents and people requiring emergency necessary treatment. Register patients recording all relevant details accurately and comprehensively on the EMIS computer system. Receive specimens from patients and carry out relevant administrative duties Advise patients of relevant charges for private medical services. Accept payment and issue receipts. Log requests for home visits on to the computer appointment system, include all relevant information. Refer requests for urgent visits to the Duty Doctor in line with written protocol. Accept and record requests for prescriptions from patients. Forward requests to Data Processing Clerk ensuring prescriptions will be available for collection within 48 hours. Process written requests for repeat prescriptions and cover prescription line during periods of absence. Action requests for ambulance transport, record all relevant details on computer and email request to ambulance headquarters. When required contact ambulance department to request urgent ambulances in line with practice policy. Scan incoming correspondence on to EMIS computer system in line with practice guidelines. Answer patient enquiries for test results following the practice protocol. Update patients electronic record to record any communication requesting further information regarding the patient. 2.Appointments System Maintain total familiarity with all appointment systems operating within the Practice including requests for regular and urgent appointments, nurse appointments and appointments with associated staff. Maintain efficient operation of appointments system, monitor flow of patients into consulting rooms and treatment rooms. Inform patients of any delays, relevant of any changes to the appointment situation. Monitor effectiveness of appointments system and ensure all variations or problems are reported and resolved immediately. Print off surgery lists to enable any relevant patient information to be prepared in readiness for their appointment. Adjust surgeries and rearrange patient appointments as required. 3.Medical Records Check that medical records and computer summaries are available for the doctor in instances of urgent consultations and requests for home visits. Maintain accurate filing system in line with practice policy. Maintain accurate registration information on patient computer and manual records i.e. changes of address etc. 4.Operation of Telephone System Receive and make telephone calls as required in line with Reception Guidelines. Take and forward messages in line with Reception and Practice guidelines. Change answer phone message as required in line with practice guideline. 7.Data Entry Update medical record templates to record information such as smoking status etc. Record receipt of insurance forms, solicitors reports and requests for patient MRCs 8.Start and End of Day Procedures Prepare Reception in readiness for the Surgery being open for patients. 9.Any other delegated duties considered appropriate to the post. Specific duties carried out by individual/named Receptionists i.e. DNAs, petty cash, Company Medicals etc This List is not exhaustive. Your position brings you into contact with information which is personal and confidential. Under no circumstances must this information be discussed or divulged. A breach of confidentiality is a dismissable offence.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  WHICKHAM PRACTICE JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Medical Receptionist Reports to: Reception Supervisors Purpose of Post: Act as point of contact for patients and a focal point of communication between patients, doctors and other staff. Organisational Chart: GPs Practice Manager Assistant Practice Manager Reception Supervisors Receptionists The Whickham Practice has 5 full-time partners, 2 GP registrar and 4 salaried GPs. There are 5 nurses, 2 health care assistants, 1 phlebotomist, a GP assistant and 25 ancillary staff who look after approximately 15,800 patients. Main Duties: 1.General Reception Duties Respond promptly and politely to all requests for assistance from patients and visitors. Explain practice services to new patients, temporary residents and people requiring emergency necessary treatment. Register patients recording all relevant details accurately and comprehensively on the EMIS computer system. Receive specimens from patients and carry out relevant administrative duties Advise patients of relevant charges for private medical services. Accept payment and issue receipts. Log requests for home visits on to the computer appointment system, include all relevant information. Refer requests for urgent visits to the Duty Doctor in line with written protocol. Accept and record requests for prescriptions from patients. Forward requests to Data Processing Clerk ensuring prescriptions will be available for collection within 48 hours. Process written requests for repeat prescriptions and cover prescription line during periods of absence. Action requests for ambulance transport, record all relevant details on computer and email request to ambulance headquarters. When required contact ambulance department to request urgent ambulances in line with practice policy. Scan incoming correspondence on to EMIS computer system in line with practice guidelines. Answer patient enquiries for test results following the practice protocol. Update patients electronic record to record any communication requesting further information regarding the patient. 2.Appointments System Maintain total familiarity with all appointment systems operating within the Practice including requests for regular and urgent appointments, nurse appointments and appointments with associated staff. Maintain efficient operation of appointments system, monitor flow of patients into consulting rooms and treatment rooms. Inform patients of any delays, relevant of any changes to the appointment situation. Monitor effectiveness of appointments system and ensure all variations or problems are reported and resolved immediately. Print off surgery lists to enable any relevant patient information to be prepared in readiness for their appointment. Adjust surgeries and rearrange patient appointments as required. 3.Medical Records Check that medical records and computer summaries are available for the doctor in instances of urgent consultations and requests for home visits. Maintain accurate filing system in line with practice policy. Maintain accurate registration information on patient computer and manual records i.e. changes of address etc. 4.Operation of Telephone System Receive and make telephone calls as required in line with Reception Guidelines. Take and forward messages in line with Reception and Practice guidelines. Change answer phone message as required in line with practice guideline. 7.Data Entry Update medical record templates to record information such as smoking status etc. Record receipt of insurance forms, solicitors reports and requests for patient MRCs 8.Start and End of Day Procedures Prepare Reception in readiness for the Surgery being open for patients. 9.Any other delegated duties considered appropriate to the post. Specific duties carried out by individual/named Receptionists i.e. DNAs, petty cash, Company Medicals etc This List is not exhaustive. Your position brings you into contact with information which is personal and confidential. Under no circumstances must this information be discussed or divulged. A breach of confidentiality is a dismissable offence.

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths.

  Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 or 3 in business admin.
  • Use of EMIS computer software.

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Keyboard and computer skills.
  • Ability to use own judgement and make decisions
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritise work.
  • An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to use own judgement and common sense.
  • Displays positive and professional attitude.
  • Ability to work as part of an integrated, multi-skilled team.
  • Pleasant and articulate.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Flexibility of working hours/able to work at the desired times
  • Dealing with the public/patients.

  Desirable

  • Experience of working in a public reception environment
  • Use of EMIS computer software.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths.

  Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 or 3 in business admin.
  • Use of EMIS computer software.

  Experience

  Essential

  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Keyboard and computer skills.
  • Ability to use own judgement and make decisions
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritise work.
  • An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to use own judgement and common sense.
  • Displays positive and professional attitude.
  • Ability to work as part of an integrated, multi-skilled team.
  • Pleasant and articulate.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Flexibility of working hours/able to work at the desired times
  • Dealing with the public/patients.

  Desirable

  • Experience of working in a public reception environment
  • Use of EMIS computer software.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision and determine own workload priorities

  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

  The Whickham Practice

  Address

  Whickham Cottage Medical Centre

  Rectory Lane

  Whickham

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  NE16 4PD

  
  

  Employer's website

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

  Employer details

  Employer name

  The Whickham Practice

  Address

  Whickham Cottage Medical Centre

  Rectory Lane

  Whickham

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  NE16 4PD

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://whickhampractice.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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