Receptionist

Salisbury House Surgery; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A local GP surgery in England is seeking a Receptionist to be the first point of contact for patients. The role involves greeting patients, managing appointments, and ensuring efficient operations within the practice. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, have experience in healthcare or administrative settings, and be able to work well under pressure. Join a caring and dedicated team committed to providing high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills required for patient interaction.
• Ability to manage a busy reception efficiently.
• Experience in administrative roles is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and visitors professionally and warmly.
• Manage telephone calls, book appointments and handle queries.
• Process prescription requests and maintain patient records.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Good IT skills

Education

Experience in a GP surgery or healthcare setting

Knowledge of EMIS/SystmOne

Job description

The Receptionist plays a vital role within our GP surgery, acting as the first point of contact for patients and visitors. The post-holder will provide a welcoming, professional, and efficient service, supporting the smooth running of the practice and ensuring patients receive timely access to care. This role requires strong communication skills, excellent organisation, and the ability to remain calm and compassionate in a busy environment.

Hours:

Week 1:

Monday 13.00 - 18.00

Tuesday 12.00 - 18.45

Thursday 13.00-18.45

Friday 08.00-18.00

Week 2:

Monday: 13.00-18.00

Tuesday 08.00-18.00

Thursday 12.45-18.45

Friday 13.00-18.45

Main duties of the job

Greet patients and visitors in a professional and friendly manner, ensuring a positive first impression.

Manage incoming telephone calls, including booking appointments, handling patient queries, and signposting to appropriate services.

Process repeat prescription requests and signpost medication queries to the appropriate team members.

Register patients, update medical records, and ensure accurate data entry in line with confidentiality and GDPR.

Support clinicians by managing waiting rooms, calling patients for appointments, and coordinating messages or tasks.

Follow practice policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and infection control.

Work collaboratively with the wider practice team to ensure efficient and high-quality patient care.

About us

Salisbury House Surgery is a patient‑centred, community‑focused organisation committed to delivering high‑quality primary care services. We pride ourselves on providing accessible, compassionate, and safe healthcare to our diverse patient population. Our team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, receptionists, and administrative staff who work collaboratively to ensure patients receive the best possible experience. We value teamwork, respect, continuous improvement, and a supportive working environment where staff are encouraged to develop and grow within their roles.

Job responsibilities

1. Job Summary

The GP Receptionist is a key member of the practice team and the first point of contact for patients. The post-holder will provide a friendly, professional, and efficient service to patients and colleagues, ensuring the smooth running of the surgery. This role involves managing appointments, handling patient enquiries, supporting clinical staff, and carrying out routine administrative duties while maintaining confidentiality and high standards of customer care.

2. Key Responsibilities

Patient Interaction

• Welcome patients and visitors in a polite, courteous, and professional manner.
• Manage incoming telephone calls, using the clinical system to book appointments, process queries, and direct patients to appropriate services.
• Provide accurate signposting to other healthcare providers, community services, or urgent care pathways when necessary.
• Maintain a calm and empathetic approach when dealing with distressed or unwell patients.

Appointments & Patient Flow

• Book, amend, and cancel appointments using the clinical system.
• Monitor clinician workloads and waiting rooms, ensuring efficient patient flow.
• Communicate messages between patients and clinicians promptly and accurately via the tasking system.

Prescriptions & Medication Queries

• Process repeat prescription requests in line with practice protocols.
• Direct medication queries to the appropriate team member, such as the prescription clerk or clinical pharmacist.

Administration & Record Keeping

• Register new patients, update patient records, and manage changes of details.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR and NHS information governance requirements.
• Manage incoming and outgoing post, emails, and documentation.

Operational Support

• Assist with maintaining the reception area, ensuring it is clean, tidy, and welcoming.
• Promote and support practice digital services such as online access, NHS App, and electronic prescribing.
• Follow all practice policies including safeguarding, infection control, and health and safety.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and audits as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a busy environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good IT skills with the ability to learn clinical systems.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Compassionate and patient‑focused attitude.
• Previous experience in a GP surgery or healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of EMIS/SystmOne or other primary care clinical systems.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Experience in customer service or administrative roles.

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.