GP Receptionist

Heathway Medical Centre; London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Heathway Medical Centre in Dagenham is seeking a full-time GP Receptionist. You will be the first friendly contact for patients and play a key role in a supportive practice team.

Prior GP reception experience helps, but strong customer service with good IT and communication skills is equally valued. The fixed-term position runs until 8 August 2027, with a 37.5-hour week across varied shifts from 07:45 to 18:30, Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• Reliable and organised with strong communication skills.
• Experience in a GP reception is helpful but not essential.
• Good IT skills and ability to learn new online systems quickly.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors in a friendly, professional manner.
• Answer enquiries face to face, by phone and through digital channels.
• Assist patients with appointment requests and provide service information.
• Manage reception duties and maintain a welcoming, organised environment.
• Support colleagues and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Reliability

Organisation

Face-to-face comm

IT skills

Customer service

Tools

EMIS Web

Job description

Join Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group as a full-time GP Receptionist, primarily based at Heathway Medical Centre in Dagenham. You will be a welcoming first point of contact for patients and a valued member of our friendly and supportive practice team. We are looking for someone reliable, organised and confident communicating with people face to face. Previous GP reception experience is an advantage, but not essential. We also welcome applicants with strong customer service experience who enjoy helping people, can manage a variety of tasks and are quick to learn new online systems. Good IT skills, excellent communication and a friendly, professional approach are essential. This is a fixed-term position until 8 August 2027, with the possibility of extension. The role is 37.5 hours per week, working varied shifts between 07:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Pay is £12.71 per hour. Our wider practice group offers opportunities to gain experience, develop new skills and apply for permanent positions as vacancies arise. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Early applications are encouraged.

Job Description GP Receptionist

Organisation: Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group Primary Location: Heathway Medical Centre, Dagenham Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until 8 August 2027, with the possibility of extension Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with varied shifts between 07:45 and 18:30, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.

To provide a friendly, professional and efficient reception and administrative service to patients, visitors and healthcare professionals.

Patient Reception and Customer Service

• Welcome patients and visitors in a friendly, helpful and professional manner.
• Act as a first point of contact for patients attending the practice.
• Respond to patient enquiries face to face, by telephone and through digital communication systems.
• Assist patients with appointment requests and provide information about available services.
• Support patients who may require additional assistance accessing healthcare services.
• Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients from different backgrounds and with varying needs.
• Handle patient concerns and difficult situations calmly, professionally and respectfully, referring matters to senior colleagues when appropriate.
• Maintain a welcoming, organised and professional reception environment.

Appointment Management and Patient Access

• Support patients with accessing appointments and services in accordance with practice procedures.
• Assist patients in using online consultation and appointment request systems.
• Provide guidance on accessing the NHS App and other available digital services.
• Process appointment requests, cancellations and changes as directed by practice procedures.
• Signpost patients to appropriate services using established practice guidance and care navigation procedures.
• Escalate urgent concerns or clinical queries to the appropriate healthcare professional without providing clinical advice.
• Help ensure patients receive clear and accurate information about practice services.

Clinical Systems and Digital Administration

• Use EMIS Web and other practice systems to access and update patient information accurately.
• Process patient requests received through online platforms and electronic communication systems.
• Scan, upload and attach relevant documents to patient records.
• Record patient interactions and administrative activities appropriately.
• Support the processing of incoming correspondence and electronic documents.
• Maintain accurate records while following confidentiality and information governance requirements.
• Learn and confidently use new digital systems as introduced by the practice.

General Administrative Duties

• Process routine patient enquiries relating to prescriptions, test requests, referrals and other practice services in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with the collection and distribution of forms, letters and other documents.
• Support the preparation and processing of administrative correspondence.
• Liaise with hospitals, pharmacies, community healthcare providers and other external organisations when required.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure administrative tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Support clinical and non-clinical colleagues with general administrative tasks.
• Assist with maintaining an organised and efficient reception and office environment.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work collaboratively with reception colleagues, GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants and administrative staff.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues to support the smooth running of the practice.
• Provide reception cover and assistance to colleagues when required.
• Share relevant information with appropriate team members to ensure continuity of service.
• Participate in team meetings, training and development activities.
• Contribute positively to a respectful, supportive and professional working environment.

Confidentiality, Safety and Professional Standards

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality and comply with data protection and information governance requirements.
• Follow practice policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and control, and equality and diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately elevate safeguarding concerns or situations requiring clinical attention.
• Treat all patients, visitors and colleagues with dignity, respect and sensitivity.
• Work within the boundaries of the receptionist role and seek guidance when necessary.
• Maintain professional standards of conduct and appearance.

Full induction and training on practice-specific systems and procedures will be provided. Previous experience in a GP practice and familiarity with EMIS Web would be advantageous but are not essential. We welcome candidates with experience in customer-facing roles who demonstrate strong communication skills, a positive attitude, good computer skills and a willingness to learn. As part of Dr Sharma & Rai Practice Group, employees may have opportunities to develop additional skills, gain experience across different practice functions and apply for permanent vacancies as they arise. The successful candidate must be flexible in their working hours and available for different shifts within the practice's core opening hours. This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the position and may be reviewed or adapted to meet the operational needs of the practice, within the appropriate scope of the role.