Receptionist

Purbeck Health Centre; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Milton Keynes is seeking two part-time Receptionists to manage telephone calls and assist patients at the front desk. The roles involve a range of administrative tasks, supported by a welcoming team. Ideal candidates should be friendly, organized, and confident with IT systems, particularly SystmOne. The position offers £12.30 per hour and requires working in a professional, fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of patient care.

Qualifications

• Good general standard of education.
• Confident using computers and learning new software systems.
• Willingness to complete training relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls quickly and professionally.
• Welcome patients and check them in for appointments.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Excellent communication and telephone skills

Strong IT skills

Organised and able to multitask

Calm and professional under pressure

Reliable and a supportive team player

Education

GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths

Customer service or administration qualification

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Overview

Purbeck Health Centre in Milton Keynes is hiring two part-time Receptionists. Roles are either 08:00–11:00 (mornings) or 15:30–18:30 (afternoons), Monday to Friday. You will mainly be answering telephone calls, greeting patients at the front desk, and carrying out a range of administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the practice. Full training will be provided, and you will be supported by an experienced team.

We are looking for friendly, reliable, calm individuals with a professional approach and a willingness to work as part of a team. Confidence using computers and learning new systems is essential. You will be the first point of contact for patients, and you should be able to stay organized, communicate clearly, and manage tasks accurately.

Main duties

• Answer telephone calls promptly and professionally; assist with appointment bookings, general enquiries, and repeat prescription requests.
• Welcome patients and visitors at the front desk, check them in, and support them with queries.
• Manage messages and relay information accurately to clinicians or administrative staff.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Update and maintain patient records on the clinical system (SystmOne).
• Support the clinical team by preparing and managing daily appointment lists.
• Process prescription requests, test results, and administrative documents as directed.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, emails, and electronic tasks.
• Keep the reception area tidy, organized, and welcoming.
• Work as part of a team, provide occasional cover for the opposite shift when required, and support colleagues during busy times.
• Follow all practice policies and procedures, including confidentiality, data protection, and health and safety.

About us

Purbeck Health Centre is a well-established GP practice in Milton Keynes providing patient-centred care to a diverse local population. Our team includes GPs, nurses, healthcare assistants, pharmacists, paramedics, and social prescribers, supported by a skilled administrative team. We use SystmOne and continuously modernise processes to improve patient access and efficiency. Teamwork, communication, and respect are core values.

We value our staff and offer a supportive, well-organised workplace that encourages learning and development. Joining our team means becoming part of a positive, forward-looking practice that genuinely cares about its people and patients.

Job responsibilities

Job Description and Organisation

Purbeck Health Centre, Milton Keynes – Salary £12.30 per hour (depending on experience) – Hours as listed above – Permanent, Part-time – Reports to: Reception Lead / Practice Manager.

Job description and duties

• Post 1 (Morning): Monday–Friday, 08:00–11:00
• Post 2 (Afternoon): Monday–Friday, 15:30–18:30

Job Summary

We are seeking two part-time Receptionists focused on telephone, front desk, and administrative computer-based tasks to keep the practice running smoothly and provide high-quality patient service. You will be the first point of contact for patients, handling queries, managing appointments accurately, and passing information to the appropriate team members.

This role suits someone who is friendly, organized, confident with computers, and able to stay calm under pressure.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Reception and Front Desk

• Welcome patients and visitors in a polite, professional, and caring manner.
• Check patients in for appointments and support them with queries.
• Manage patient flow and communicate with clinical staff as needed.
• Keep the reception area tidy, calm, and organized.

Telephone and Enquiries

• Answer incoming calls promptly and courteously using the SystmOne system.
• Book, amend, and cancel appointments accurately.
• Deal with general enquiries and direct patients to the appropriate service or staff member.
• Handle urgent or emergency calls according to practice protocols, ensuring patient safety.
• Take and relay accurate messages to GPs, nurses, or administrators in a timely manner.

Administrative and Computer Tasks

• Update patient contact details and appointment notes.
• Process and manage online appointment requests and messages.
• Maintain accurate patient records and task lists on SystmOne.
• Support daily reception operations, e.g., checking call queues, monitoring emails, and ensuring the day\'s appointments run smoothly.
• Assist with simple computer-based admin such as printing letters, producing lists, or entering basic data.
• Follow practice processes for filing, communication, and information sharing between teams.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work closely with other receptionists to ensure desk and phone coverage.
• Communicate clearly with clinicians, administrators, and management.
• Provide occasional cover for colleagues during annual leave or sickness.
• Attend team meetings and training sessions as required.

Professional Conduct and Compliance

• Follow all practice policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection.
• Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude at all times.
• Report issues, risks, or concerns promptly to the Reception Lead or Practice Manager.
• Participate in regular training and updates to stay confident in using systems and processes.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication and telephone skills.
• Friendly, polite, and approachable manner.
• Strong IT skills and confidence using computer systems (SystmOne experience desirable).
• Organised and able to multitask in a busy environment.
• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Reliable, flexible, and a supportive team player.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

• Good general standard of education (GCSE level or equivalent in English and Maths).
• Confident using computers and able to learn new software systems.
• Willingness to complete in-house and external training relevant to the role (e.g., SystmOne, safeguarding, data protection, customer service).
• Customer service or administration qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or 3, or equivalent).
• Training or experience in a healthcare, call handling, or reception environment.
• Evidence of continuing personal development.

Experience

• Previous experience in receptionist, customer service, or administrative roles.
• Experience dealing with the public face-to-face and by telephone.
• Experience using computers and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in a GP surgery, NHS, or other healthcare setting.
• Experience using SystmOne or similar clinical systems.
• Experience in a busy front-line or call-handling team.

Disclosure

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.