Primary Care Co-ordinator

Sandwich Medical Practice; Stone Cross; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local medical practice in England seeks a Primary Care Co-ordinator to manage patient interactions and support operations. You will be the first point of contact, handling inquiries and booking appointments while ensuring confidentiality and empathy. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential, with a focus on patient-centered care. A good standard of education and experience in a relevant role are required. Competitive pay provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer service, reception, or administrative role.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Understanding of data protection (GDPR).

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for patients and visitors.
• Manage patient records and inquiries efficiently.
• Ensure confidentiality and safety of the reception area.

Skills

Customer service experience

Excellent communication skills

Strong IT skills

Organisational skills

Education

Good standard of general education (minimum GCSE in English and Maths)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Patient record systems (e.g. EMIS)

Job description

Job summary

To apply, please fill out the online application form on NHS and send it, together with your attached CV.

The role of a Primary Care Co-ordinator is central to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations within a medical practice. They act as the first point of contact for patients, carers, and visitors, creating a welcoming and supportive environment while maintaining professionalism and efficiency. A Primary Care Co-ordinator's responsibilities extend beyond answering phones and booking appointments; they play a vital part in the overall patient experience and the effectiveness of the healthcare team.

Main duties of the job

This role involves being the first point of contact for patients, carers, and visitors, providing a professional and welcoming service through handling enquiries, booking appointments, and supporting vulnerable patients while maintaining confidentiality. Responsibilities include managing and updating patient records, processing prescriptions, handling documentation, and keeping reception areas safe and organised. The post holder will work collaboratively with GPs, nurses, and practice staff to ensure smooth operations, escalating issues when necessary, and supporting wider practice initiatives such as clinics and health campaigns. They are expected to treat all patients and colleagues with dignity and respect, uphold GDPR and practice policies, adapt to changing demands, and contribute to continuous service improvement through meetings, training, and other duties as required by management.

About us

Sandwich Medical Practice is a welcoming and progressive GP surgery located in the heart of Sandwich, Kent. Formed in 2019 from the merger of Market Place and The Butchery Surgeries, we are proud to be part of the Deal & Sandwich Primary Care Network, working closely with neighbouring practices to support our local community. Rated Good by the Care Quality Commission, we offer a wide range of services and are also a training practice, supporting GP trainees, medical and nursing students. We are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care and are always looking for new ways to improve how we work. In September 2025, we introduced a new Modern General Practice approach, using a total triage appointment system to make accessing our services easier, safer and more efficient for patients. We have a dedicated, friendly team who support one another and take pride in delivering the best possible care to our community.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Primary Care Co-ordinator will play a vital role in delivering an excellent first impression of the practice, acting as the primary point of contact for patients, carers, and visitors. The post holder will provide a welcoming, professional, and efficient service by managing face-to-face and telephone enquiries, directing individuals to the appropriate services, and ensuring urgent needs are prioritised. Key responsibilities include booking, amending, and cancelling appointments to optimise clinical time, assisting patients with completing forms and updating personal details, and processing repeat prescription requests in line with practice protocols. A core aspect of the role is supporting vulnerable patients, including those with disabilities, language barriers, or additional needs, ensuring equitable access to care. The post holder will maintain the highest standards of patient confidentiality at all times, in line with GDPR and practice policies, while treating all patients and colleagues with dignity, respect, and compassion.

In addition to patient-facing duties, the role encompasses a range of administrative tasks, including maintaining and updating accurate patient records using the clinical system, managing incoming documentation, preparing reports and audits, and supporting data entry, scanning, and filing requirements. The post holder will also ensure the reception and waiting areas remain clean, safe, and welcoming, contributing to a positive patient experience. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities will be essential.

Collaboration and teamwork are fundamental to the role. The post holder will work closely with GPs, nurses, and other practice staff to maintain smooth patient flow, escalate complex or urgent issues appropriately, and provide cover during periods of staff absence. They will actively contribute to practice-wide initiatives, such as flu clinics, health promotion campaigns, and patient engagement activities, while also supporting clinicians with administrative needs. Attendance and participation in practice meetings, training sessions, and appraisals are expected, with the post holder contributing ideas for continuous service improvement.

This position requires a compassionate, adaptable, and proactive individual who can thrive in a busy, patient-focused environment. The successful candidate will uphold the practice policies on confidentiality, safeguarding, and health and safety, while demonstrating professionalism and empathy in every interaction. By combining excellent communication skills with strong administrative capabilities, the post holder will support the smooth running of the reception and wider practice, helping to deliver high-quality care and an outstanding patient experience.

Person Specification

Clinical governance

Essential

• Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, patient safety, and accuracy in clinical records.

Desirable

• Understanding of clinical governance principles, including safeguarding, infection prevention, and incident reporting.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a customer service, reception, or administrative role.
• Experience handling telephone calls and face-to-face enquiries in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and email systems.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Awareness of the need for confidentiality and understanding of data protection (GDPR).

Desirable

• Previous experience working in a GP practice, healthcare setting, or NHS environment.
• Experience using patient record systems (e.g. EMIS, Docman, Anima).
• Knowledge of NHS services and referral processes.
• Familiarity with clinical systems and appointment booking software.

Qualifications

Essential

• Good standard of general education (minimum GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths).

Desirable

• NVQ or diploma in Business Administration or Customer Service.
• Training in medical terminology.

Personal/ professional attributes

Essential

• Friendly, approachable, and professional manner.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and polite when dealing with distressed or difficult patients.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the practice.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to providing high-quality patient service.

Desirable

• Willingness to undertake further training and development.

Other requirements

Essential

• Inspires others and leads by example. Able to make calm rational decisions in the face of adversity.

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

Sandwich Medical Practice

Address

Cattle Market

Sandwich

Kent

CT13 9ET

£12.50 an hour£12.71 after successful completion of 6 month probation.