GP Surgery - Receptionist part time

Purbeck Health Centre; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local general practice in Milton Keynes is seeking two part-time Receptionists to join their busy team. The role involves welcoming patients, managing inquiries both in person and by phone, and booking appointments. Essential skills include strong customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Previous experience in customer-facing roles, especially in healthcare settings, is preferred. This position is essential for ensuring efficient patient access and overall practice operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a GP surgery is preferred.
• Experience in customer-facing roles handling high volumes.
• Confidence using computer systems to manage patient information.

Responsibilities

• Welcome patients and manage inquiries in person and over the phone.
• Book appointments and handle patient messages accurately.
• Support the smooth flow of operations at the practice.

Skills

Strong customer service skills

Attention to detail

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Professional attitude

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Purbeck Health Centre is recruiting 2 part‑time Receptionists to join our busy general practice team. These roles are central to the smooth day‑to‑day running of the practice and are often the first point of contact for patients.

The posts are Monday to Friday and are offered as 2 separate shifts. Post 1 is 8.00 am to 1.30 pm and Post 2 is 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Applicants may apply for either post.

The role involves managing patient enquiries in person and by telephone, booking appointments, handling messages and supporting patient access. Strong customer service skills are essential, as is the ability to remain calm, polite and professional when dealing with patients in a busy environment.

Accuracy and attention to detail are key. You will be responsible for recording information correctly, following processes carefully and ensuring messages and appointments are handled safely and efficiently.

You will work closely with clinical and administrative colleagues and play an important role in supporting patients and the wider team. Confidentiality, reliability and teamwork are essential.

Main duties of the job

You will be the main point of contact at the front desk and the first impression of the practice for our patients. You will welcome patients, manage enquiries in person and by telephone, book appointments, handle messages and support the smooth flow of the day.

Providing a friendly, helpful and patient‑focused service is central to the role. You will create a welcoming, supportive and safe environment, even during busy periods, and ensure patients feel listened to and respected.

Accuracy and attention to detail are essential. You will record information correctly, follow processes carefully and work closely with the clinical and administrative teams to ensure patients are directed to the right support at the right time.

About us

Purbeck Health Centre is a GP‑led general practice serving a diverse local population. We are a busy practice with a strong work ethic and clear standards, focused on delivering safe, reliable care while treating patients with respect.

Our team includes General Practitioners, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and a dedicated administrative and reception team. The practice is supported by a Practice Manager and a trainee Deputy Practice Manager, providing clear leadership and day‑to‑day support.

Please read carefully. This role is not suitable for everyone.

The work is fast paced, constant and at times challenging. This role requires resilience, a positive attitude and a strong personality. We value people who can stay calm under pressure and provide old‑school GP customer care, being polite, helpful, patient‑focused and professional at all times.

Our reception and administrative teams are central to how the practice is experienced by patients. The service you provide and the way you present yourself directly reflect on the practice. Creating a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for patients is essential.

We work as a team, support one another and take pride in delivering a service that patients can trust. Working at Purbeck Health Centre suits people who care about doing the job properly and being part of a committed team.

Job responsibilities

This is a front‑facing role at the centre of the practice. You will work on the reception desk and phones, managing a high volume of patient contact throughout the day.

Your role is to welcome patients, manage enquiries in person and by telephone, book and amend appointments, handle messages accurately and support safe patient access to clinical services. Clear communication, strong customer service skills and attention to detail are essential.

The work is constant and fast paced. You must be able to prioritise, manage pressure and remain calm, polite and professional at all times. Patients may be anxious, frustrated or distressed, and you are expected to respond in a supportive, respectful and controlled manner.

Accuracy matters. You will be responsible for recording information correctly, following processes precisely, handling confidential information safely and passing messages on without delay. Mistakes in this role can affect patient care.

You will work closely with clinical and administrative colleagues and are expected to be reliable, punctual and consistent. A strong work ethic, personal accountability and pride in your work are essential.

This role suits someone who genuinely wants to work in general practice, understands the importance of patient experience and takes responsibility seriously.

Who this role is not for

This role is not suitable for someone looking for a quiet, slow or low‑responsibility role, someone who struggles with pressure or high workload, or someone who does not enjoy regular patient contact. It is also not suitable for applicants applying only to meet benefit requirements.

Job description

What we expect from applicants

• Strong customer service skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to stay calm under pressure

• Professional attitude and reliability

• Commitment to confidentiality and patient safety

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Applicants must meet all of the following:
• Strong customer service skills with a polite, calm and professional manner
• Ability to manage regular face‑to‑face and telephone contact with patients
• Ability to work accurately and pay close attention to detail
• Confidence using computer systems and handling information correctly
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage a constant workload
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• Reliable, punctual and consistent approach to work
• Strong sense of personal responsibility and accountability
• Ability to work well as part of a team and follow instructions
• Understanding of confidentiality and the importance of handling patient information safely
• Clear spoken communication and ability to listen effectively
• Willingness to work in a fast paced general practice environment
• Previous experience working in a general practice or healthcare setting
• Experience of reception or customer‑facing work in a busy environment
• Experience of managing difficult or distressed customers professionally
• Confidence using clinical or appointment booking systems
• Experience of working with confidential or sensitive information
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly
• Willingness to support service improvements and new ways of working

Experience

• Applicants must have:
• Previous experience working in a GP surgery
• Experience using SystmOne in a live general practice setting
• Proven experience in a front‑facing, customer‑focused role
• Demonstrated ability to communicate politely, respectfully and professionally at all times
• Experience managing patient or customer contact in a busy environment
• Experience handling confidential or sensitive information appropriately
• Flexibility to cover annual leave and sick leave for the opposite shift, with availability between 8.00 am and 6.30 pm when required
• Experience covering different reception shifts within a GP practice
• Experience supporting colleagues during periods of sickness or annual leave
• Strong understanding of patient flow and appointment systems in general practice
• Experience managing high call volumes effectively
• Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations
• Willingness to be flexible and support the wider team when required

knowledge and skills

• Applicants must demonstrate:
• Understanding of how a GP practice operates and the role reception plays in patient safety and access
• Ability to recognise urgency and expedite concerns appropriately
• Awareness of how tone, body language and language choice affect patient experience
• Ability to manage sensitive conversations with discretion and empathy
• Confidence following protocols and knowing when to seek guidance
• Ability to adapt communication style to different patient needs
• Awareness of equality, dignity and respect in patient interactions
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy during repetitive or pressured tasks
• Willingness to accept feedback and adjust approach when required
• Understanding that consistency and reliability are critical in healthcare roles
• Understanding of NHS primary care pressures and patient demand
• Awareness of how reception teams support clinical prioritisation and patient flow
• Confidence handling difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism
• Ability to de‑escalate situations calmly and appropriately
• Understanding of equality, accessibility and reasonable adjustments in patient care
• Interest in improving processes or contributing ideas to improve patient 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.