Medical Receptionist

NHS North Of England Commissioning Support Unit; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Newcastle upon Tyne is looking for a caring Medical Receptionist. This role is essential in supporting patients and clinicians by providing professional, friendly service. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be able to handle difficult situations, and effectively manage various clerical tasks. Full training will be provided as you work within a welcoming team dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of a healthcare office environment.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to handle difficult situations professionally.

Responsibilities

• Receive patients and handle inquiries.
• Manage appointment bookings over the phone.
• Update and manage patient records.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Excellent organisational skills

Time Management

Interpersonal skills

Education

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE English or equivalent

Good standard of general education

Tools

EMIS Web

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Go back NHS North Of England Commissioning Support Unit

The closing date is 01 February 2026

Cruddas Park Surgery has an exciting opportunity for a caring and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team, working across two sites, as a medical receptionist. As a Medical Receptionist, you will be at the heart of our practice, supporting patients and clinicians by providing a professional, friendly and efficient service. We value and recognise the key role that medical receptionists play in delivering high quality healthcare to our patients. We are looking for someone with a motivated, can-do attitude to work, who is willing to help and assist patients as required.

Main duties of the job

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills and be able to handle difficult situations professionally and calmly. They will be expected to work closely with their colleagues and clinicians so they should be a good team player and be able to prioritise a wide range of clerical and administration duties in a busy environment. Good typing, IT skills and experience using EMIS Web would be beneficial. The successful applicant will be supported with full training on all aspects of this role. The main duties will include:

• Greeting patients and visitors in a friendly, professional manner
• Answering telephone calls and booking appointments
• Managing and updating patient records accurately
• Handling patient enquiries and signposting appropriately
• Supporting clinicians and the wider administrative team

About us

You will be part of a welcoming and supportive team that works closely together to ensure patients feel cared for and valued. We have a positive, friendly atmosphere where everyone helps one another and takes pride in their work. Our strong work ethic is built on teamwork, reliability, and a shared commitment to providing the best possible service for our patients.

Job responsibilities

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST:

The main purpose of the job is to provide reception and administrative support to the GP Practice to ensure the medical and nursing staff can provide an effective, efficient and caring service to the practice population.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure efficient operation of the appointment system and monitor the flow of patients into consulting and treatment rooms.
• Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients, and those seeking temporary cover. Ensure registration procedures are completed.
• Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and other visitors.
• Enter requests for home visits including all necessary information.
• Take and process requests for repeat prescriptions. Ensure that the patient is aware of when the prescription will be ready for collection.
• Ensure reception and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy.
• Book appointments, ensuring full name and DOB are entered, to ensure that the correct record is retrieved.
• Retrieve and refile records as required, ensuring that strict alphabetical order is adhered to.
• Receive and make calls as required. Divert calls and take messages as appropriate.
• Ensure that the system is operational at the beginning of each day.
• Open up the premises at the start of day and make all necessary preparation to receive patients.
• Scan hospital letters and other correspondence.
• Dealing with changes of address.
• Create new patient records.
• Replenish any necessary stock.
• Use of all office equipment.
• Any other duties the management feel appropriate to the role.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST:

• An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality.
• An ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness, common sense, and local knowledge to respond to patients\' enquiries and requests.
• Keyboard skills necessary to undertake responsibilities involving use of the practice\'s clinical computer system.
• Needs to work effectively as a member of the Reception team, other Practice members and the wider primary healthcare team.
• High degree of flexibility in hours worked required. Work additional shifts to cover staff absence and attend staff meetings outside of normal working hours.
• To assist in maintaining their own and others health and safety.
• To support the equality, diversity and right of patients, carers and colleagues.

Person Specification

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral).
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Time Management and the ability to work to deadlines.
• Negotiation and conflict management.
• Interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE English or equivalent
• Good standard of general education

Knowledge

• A detailed understanding of a healthcare office environment.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology.
• An understanding of the Practice clinical system.

Behaviours

• Planning and organising.
• Performing under pressure.
• Taking the initiative.
• Self-motivated.
• Flexibility.

Experience

• Experience of dealing with the public face to face or on the telephone.
• Experience working with computers including internet, email, Microsoft.
• Experience of working in General Practice.
• Experience of working in a busy reception.
• Experience of computerised medical record systems preferably EMIS Web.

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 name

NHS North Of England Commissioning Support Unit