Receptionist

Thornaby & Barwick Medical Centre; Stockton-on-Tees; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local healthcare provider in Stockton-on-Tees is seeking a receptionist for a maternity cover contract. This crucial role entails managing patient interactions, appointments, and maintaining a professional reception area. Ideal candidates are empathetic, organized, and possess strong communication skills. While experience in a GP practice is preferred, training will be provided. The position offers 36 hours per week across 4 days, starting in March/April 2026, in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a patient/customer-facing role.
• Experience of administrative duties.
• Competence in using office software and handling medical information.

Responsibilities

• Friendly and efficient communication with patients in person and on the phone.
• Manage appointments and patient inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality and a tidy reception area.

Skills

Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

Flexible and cooperative

Time management

Good interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

GCSE grade A - C in English and Maths

NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care

Tools

SystmOne

Microsoft applications

Job description

Thornaby & Barwick Medical Group are seeking a receptionist to join our busy team on a maternity cover contract. The role is 36 hours, work pattern 4 days a week 8am - 6pm. We are looking for someone available to start in March / April 2026.

As a receptionist at TBMG, you will be the first person our patients meet, so we are looking for someone who is friendly, reliable and hardworking. You must be caring and empathetic whilst maintaining our Practices excellent standards. This is a responsible role in a sometimes very challenging environment, but we are a supportive team who strive to provide the best service for our patients. If you are a good communicator, multitasker and a great team player, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be approachable and organised, with a can do attitude.The role includes the need to be empathetic and efficient in all manners of communication, as you will be required to deal with patients and visitors both over the phone and in person.There can be a number of time sensitive tasks on you at once in this role, so being organised, methodical and computer literate is essential.The candidate should be punctual and able to work well in a team, as well as autonomously with designated tasks.Some previous experience of working in a GP Practice or the NHS would be preferred, although training will be provided. As we are a two site practice, you will be required to work at both sites and you must be flexible to support with overtime when required.

About us

Thornaby and Barwick Medical Group is a two site GP Practice taking care of the population in the Thornaby and Ingleby Barwick areas. We have a practice population of around 21,000.We are an experienced training practice with 6 GP partners and 6 Salaried GPs supported by our wonderful nursing team and resilient reception and admin teams.

We also work as part of BYTES Primary Care Network, which is made up of 4 GP practices working in partnership.

Job responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES:

Tomaintain excellent levels of confidentiality both inside and out of thePractice

Tobe empathetic, pleasant and efficient in all communication with patientscontacting the surgery either in person or by telephone.

Openand close the surgery / reception area.

Ensurethe Reception area is tidy, and that clinical rooms are tidy and appropriatelystocked.

Toundertake any training or development suitable to the post

Must be flexible in your approach to provide cover during periods of holidays andsickness, often at short notice

Telephone Duties:

Makeappropriate appointments with doctors, nurses or other members of the primaryhealth care team.

Makeambulance bookings

Takeand pass on messages accurately and in a timely manner

Appropriatelypass on enquiries from patients, other surgeries, hospitals, North East and Cumbria ICB, NHS England, outside agencies etc.

DeskDuties:

Check-inpatients attending for appointments and direct them to the appropriate doctor,nurse etc when required.

Makeappointments with doctors, nurses, other members of the primary health careteam.

Signpostingpatients to more appropriate heath measures should they not require anappointment with the practice

Managepatient enquiries, giving non-medical advice where appropriate.

Adviseand register new patients, ensuring correct registration procedure is followed.

Receivelaboratory specimens from patients and complete all the necessary forms.

Advisepatients on the leaving and collection of medical and/or insurance forms andcollect fees where required.

Beaware of non-NHS services for which charges are made and inform patientsrequesting such services.

Ensurethat the necessary forms are completed for recording treatment provided i.e.temporary resident, emergency treatment, maternity medical services etc

Administration:

Processingtest results and documents received electronically.

Collection,inputting and extraction of data on the computer system in methodical andcareful manner.

Photocopying

Preparationand posting of outgoing mail.

Extractionand re-filing of patient notes if required.

This job description is notcomprehensive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any dutiesdelegated by the Practice Manager, Deputy Practice Manager, Reception Manager or Partners.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of working in a patient / customer facing role
• Experience of administrative duties
• Experience working in a GP Practice or NHS organisation
• Use of SystmOne
• Competent in the use of office and outlook

Qualifications

• GCSE grade A - C ( or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Experience of using Microsoft applications and other Windows based software
• Experience of SystmOne
• Experience of customer service
• NVQ level 2 in Health and Social Care

Personal Qualities

• Polite and confident
• Flexible and cooperative
• Motivated
• High levels of integrity
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to work under pressure

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• Clear, polite telephone manner
• Effective time management (Planning & Organising)
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Good interpersonal skills
• Problem solving & analytical skills
• Ability to follow policy and procedure

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.