Hospice Receptionist

Blue Eye Designs; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Sunderland is seeking an experienced receptionist to provide comprehensive reception and admin services at a hospice. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of Microsoft Office, EMIS systems, and must possess good communication skills. This part-time role (24 hours/week) offers a competitive salary of £24,465 per annum pro-rata.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education including GCSE in English.
• Level 2 in Word processing or Business Administration or recent experience in a receptionist/administration role.

Responsibilities

• Meet and greet patients and visitors.
• Provide a switchboard service to all incoming telephone calls.
• Respond to patient enquiries and provide general non-clinical advice.

Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages

Knowledge of EMIS system and/or Hospital Information System (Meditech)

Good written and verbal communication skills

Excellent telephone manner

Previous experience working as a receptionist or in a healthcare setting

Understanding of palliative care / medical terminology

Willing to undertake necessary additional training

Education

Good standard of general education including GCSE in English

Level 2 in Word processing or Business Administration or recent experience

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking to recruit an experienced receptionist to provide a comprehensive reception and administration service to patients, visitors and staff at St Benedicts Hospice and Centre for Specialist Care.

Applicants should be educated to a good standard of general education including GCSE English and Maths. Applicants should have Level 2 in Word processing or Business Administration or recent experience in a receptionist/administration role in a healthcare setting.

Applicants should have knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and EMIS system and/or Hospital Information System (Meditech). An understanding of palliative care and medical terminology is desirable.

It is essential you have good written and verbal communication skills, expert organisational and time management skills and have the ability to work unsupervised and under pressure to meet deadlines. You will be expected to adhere to confidentiality and data protection guidelines.

Hours & Pattern

1× post (equates to 24 hours per week). Three week shift pattern: 5 weekday early shifts (8 am–2 pm), 7 days off, one weekend (10 am–4 pm) and 5 weekday late shifts (2 pm–8 pm). Expected to cover additional hours for holiday/sickness.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet and greet patients and visitors.
• Provide a switchboard service to all incoming telephone calls.
• Respond to patient enquiries and provide general non‑clinical advice to patients and visitors.
• Book a range of appointments for patients.
• Contact patients prior to appointment to confirm attendance.
• Greet patients and book them onto computer system on arrival.
• Notify patients when clinics are running late.
• Answer telephones and deal with all enquiries as they arrive.
• Arrange appointments and, when necessary, cancel appointments.
• Make ambulance appointment bookings / patient transport.
• Open and sort post.
• Liaise with funeral directors and process documentation as necessary.
• Input patient data on patient information system(s).
• Communicate with health professionals, relatives and carers regarding transfer/discharge of patients to other wards, hospital or home.
• Photocopy and prepare information packs.
• Provide reception cover and cover duties of other admin staff as required.

Skills, Attributes & Knowledge

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
• Knowledge of EMIS system and/or Hospital Information System (Meditech).
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent telephone manner.
• Previous experience working as a receptionist or working in a healthcare setting.
• Understanding of palliative care / medical terminology (desirable).
• Willing to undertake necessary additional training (desirable).

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education including GCSE in English.
• Level 2 in Word processing or Business Administration or recent experience in a receptionist/administration role in a healthcare setting.

Other Requirements

• Work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Work independently or as part of a team.
• Use initiative to problem‑solve.

Legal & EEO

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. Disclosure and Barring Service checks will be required.

We welcome all applications irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups.

Applicants must add your telephone number to the application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

We are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role.

Use of AI: if we determine using AI poses a risk to the integrity of the recruitment process, we may withdraw your application.

Contact & Application Details

Date posted: 11 November 2025

Pay scheme: £24,465 a year pro‑rata (24 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent, part‑time

Reference number: C9155‑CMAC‑1125‑04

Job location: St. Benedicts Hospice, St. Benedicts Way, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR20NY

Employer: South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Website: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk