Receptionist

NHS; Ferryhill; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical practice is seeking a friendly and motivated Receptionist for a full-time position in Ferryhill. Responsibilities include providing reception services, managing appointments, and handling patient information. Ideal candidates will have administrative and customer service experience. This role is permanent, offering 38 hours per week, with SystmOne experience preferred but not essential. Confidentiality and professionalism are crucial.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of practice procedures and protocols.
• Ability to manage general enquiries and schedule appointments.
• Experience in a GP practice is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective reception service to patients and visitors.
• Manage and process repeat prescription requests.
• Maintain patient notes and correspondence.

Skills

Administrative role experience

Customer service experience

Education

GCSE grade A to C or 9-4 in English and Maths

Job description

Receptionist

The closing date is 21 November 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a friendly and highly motivated Receptionist to join our team at The Ferryhill & Chilton Medical Practice.

This is a permanent post for 38 hours per week. SystmOne experience is preferred but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Have thorough knowledge of all practice procedures and work in accordance with written protocols.
• Ensure effective and efficient reception service to patients and visitors.
• Manage general enquiries, explain procedures and schedule new and follow‑up appointments.
• Contact patients for QoF, Chronic Disease Management and routine appointments.
• Receive and make telephone calls, divert calls, take messages with accurate details.
• Enter requests for home visits, record details and refer to duty doctor as needed.
• Process repeat prescription requests, ensuring readiness for collection within 48 hours.
• Advise patients of charges for private services, accept payment and issue receipts.
• Enter patient information into the computer system as required.
• Maintain patient notes and correspondence, manage record filing and ensure documents are up to date.
• Keep the waiting room tidy, open reception at the start of day and secure building at close.
• Use telephone transfer system, email and photocopy documents as requested.
• Undertake additional duties as required by Partners, Deputy Practice Manager or Practice Manager.

Additional Duties

• Retrieve and re‑file records, ensuring alphabetical order.
• File correspondence, reports and results promptly.
• Keep records in good repair and clear external covers.

Work Hours & Locations

All staff work between both Ferryhill & Chilton practices. Enhanced Access on Monday evenings 6‑8pm, one Friday 6‑8pm, and one Saturday 9am‑5pm.

Confidentiality

• Patients entrust sensitive information in confidence; staff must respect privacy and act appropriately.
• Post‑holder may access confidential patient, carer, staff, and business information; all such information is strictly confidential.
• Information may only be divulged to authorised persons per practice policies and procedures regarding confidentiality and data protection.

Health & Safety

• Assist in promoting health, safety, and security for self and others per practice policy, manual and infection control procedures.
• Use personal security systems, identify risks, and undertake activities to manage those risks.
• Apply training to update knowledge and skills.
• Use infection control procedures, maintain tidy work areas, and report hazards immediately.
• Keep work areas and general/patient areas clean, assist in maintaining cleanliness standards.
• Undertake periodic infection control training (minimum annually).
• Demonstrate due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Equality and Diversity

• Act in a way that recognises the importance of peoples' rights, consistent with policies, procedures, and legislation.
• Respect the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
• Behaviour should be welcoming, non‑judgmental, and respectful of circumstances and rights.

Personal/Professional Development

• Participate in annual individual performance reviews.
• Maintain a record of personal and/or professional development and demonstrate skills and activities to peers.

Quality

• Alert other team members to quality and risk issues.
• Assess own performance and take accountability for actions under supervision.
• Contribute to team effectiveness by reflecting on activities and suggesting improvements.
• Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patient needs.
• Effectively manage own time, workload, and resources.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with team members, patients and carers.
• Recognise and respond to alternative communication methods.

Contribution to Implementation of Services

• Apply practice policies, standards, and guidance.
• Discuss with team how policies and guidelines will affect own work.
• Participate in audit when appropriate.

Qualifications

• GCSE grade A to C or 9‑4 in English and Maths.

Experience

• Administrative role experience.
• Customer service experience (face‑to‑face and telephone) in an office environment.
• Experience working in a GP practice.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Employer

The Ferryhill & Chilton Medical Practice