Receptionist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Shinfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

South Reading and Shinfield Group Medical Practice, part of the NHS GP network, seeks an organised Reception Clerk to manage appointments, handle calls, and support the practice team. The role covers bookings, triage, repeat prescriptions, and front-desk duties across two sites.

Hours are 37.5 per week with flexible patterns, including some Saturday mornings; A-levels are essential and EmisWeb familiarity is desirable, with training provided.

Qualifications

• A-levels required.
• Experience working in a team and in a busy environment.
• Good customer service skills.
• Understanding of confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure.
• Computer literacy and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Book and manage appointments, including visit requests and telephone consultations.
• Direct callers to the appropriate healthcare professional.
• Process repeat prescription requests and hand completed prescriptions to patients.
• Receive patients and consult with the practice team.
• Update patient records and pull/file notes.
• Open/close premises and maintain security.
• Work to practice protocols and cover reception positions as needed.
• Use the telephone system during and after hours.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information.

Skills

Telephone manner

Friendly

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Initiative

Computer literacy

Education

A-levels

Tools

EmisWeb familiarity

Job description

This is a reception post at South Reading and Shinfield Group Medical Practice, an NHS GP surgery serving about 12,000 patients across two sites. The role centres on booking appointments, directing callers to the right clinician, handling repeat prescriptions, filing and medical records, and keeping the premises secure. Hours are 37.5 a week on a flexible pattern, covering weekday opening times and Saturday mornings. A-levels are essential and EmisWeb familiarity is desirable, with training given.

What the job involves

• Book and manage appointments, including visit requests and telephone consultations
• Direct callers to the appropriate healthcare professional
• Process repeat prescription requests and hand completed prescriptions to patients
• Receive patients and consult with the practice team
• Update patient records, including address changes, and pull and file notes
• Process incoming and outgoing post, plus email and photocopying as requested
• Open and lock up the premises and maintain security, including doors, windows and alarm
• Work to written practice protocols and cover all reception positions as needed
• Use the telephone system during and after hours
• Maintain confidentiality of patient, staff and practice information
• Follow health, safety and infection control policies, safeguard children, and clear rooms after surgeries
• Carry out other tasks allocated by managers

What’s required

Qualifications

• A-levels

Experience

• Experience of working in a team
• Experience working in a busy environment
• Good customer service skills

Skills & knowledge

• Good telephone manner
• Friendly and approachable manner
• Ability to multitask and prioritise under pressure while staying calm
• Good understanding of confidentiality
• Ability to use own initiative when working alone
• Computer literacy

Other

• Flexibility in working pattern and duties
• Ability to cope with and manage change

Nice to have

• Previous NHS GP practice experience
• EmisWeb familiarity, with training provided