Receptionist

St James Medical Centre; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

St James Medical Centre in London Croydon area is seeking a GP Receptionist to provide a friendly, efficient front-dline service to patients, carers and visitors. You will manage appointments, handle calls and signpost to the right clinicians, while upholding confidentiality and NHS policies.

You will work with the clinical team, use EMIS Web and other systems, and support smooth daily operations. The role requires excellent communication, calm under pressure, and a commitment to safeguarding

Qualifications

• Front-dline reception skills in a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of data protection and patient confidentiality.
• Ability to handle busy environments with professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional and welcoming reception service to patients, carers, and visitors.
• Answer telephone calls promptly, deal with enquiries, and signpost patients appropriately.
• Book, cancel, and manage appointments using clinical systems (e.g. EMIS/SystmOne).
• Process repeat prescription requests in line with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
• Scan, file, and process incoming/outgoing correspondence and clinical documents.
• Support clinicians with administrative tasks, including referrals and follow-ups.
• Deal with patient queries in a calm and professional manner, including difficult or distressed individuals.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, NHS policies, and practice procedures.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced primary care environment.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service

Organisational skills

GDPR awareness

Tools

EMIS Web

SystmOne

Job description

The GP Receptionist is a key front-line role within an NHS GP practice, acting as the first point of contact for patients, carers, and visitors. The role is essential in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the practice on a daily basis. You will provide a professional, caring, and confidential reception and administrative service, supporting both patients and the clinical team. This includes managing appointments, handling telephone and face-to-face enquiries, processing prescriptions, and maintaining accurate patient records using clinical systems such as EMIS Web. Working in a busy primary care environment, the role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and organised under pressure. You will play an important part in ensuring patients are directed to the right services and receive timely, appropriate care. Overall, the GP Receptionist role is vital in supporting high-quality patient care and contributing to the effective running of the NHS GP practice.

Job responsibilities

• Provide a professional and welcoming reception service to patients, carers, and visitors.
• Answer telephone calls promptly, deal with enquiries, and signpost patients appropriately.
• Book, cancel, and manage appointments using clinical systems (e.g. EMIS/SystmOne).
• Process repeat prescription requests in line with practice procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
• Scan, file, and process incoming/outgoing correspondence and clinical documents.
• Support clinicians with administrative tasks, including referrals and follow-ups.
• Deal with patient queries in a calm and professional manner, including difficult or distressed individuals.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, NHS policies, and practice procedures.
• Work effectively as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced primary care environment.

Patient Services

• Act as the first point of contact for patients in person and by telephone.
• Deal with patient enquiries in a polite, professional, and sensitive manner.
• Book, cancel, and amend appointments accurately and efficiently.
• Signpost patients to appropriate clinicians or services.

Administration Duties

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records using clinical systems.
• Process repeat prescription requests following practice protocols.
• Scan, file, and manage incoming and outgoing correspondence.
• Support administrative tasks including referrals and clinical document processing.

Team Support

• Work closely with GPs, nurses, and the wider practice team.
• Assist with the organisation of clinics and daily workflows.
• Support colleagues to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery.

Confidentiality & Compliance

• Maintain strict confidentiality in line with GDPR and NHS policies.
• Follow all practice procedures, protocols, and safeguarding requirements.
• Ensure a professional and safe reception environment at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Manage a busy workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult or distressed patients.
• Work effectively as part of a team and support colleagues when required.
• Participate in training and continuous development relevant to the role.