This is an exciting opportunity to join the reception team within a busy medical centre on a long term temporary (possibly leading to permanent) basis. The nature of the job requires a degree of flexibility at all times but the main duties may be described as follows:

Telephone Duties

· Answer telephone and deal with as appropriate

· Requests for visits - on a rota

· Deal with general enquires

· Deaths/hospital admissions - enter in book, inform doctors

· Log messages to GPs and other staff

Reception

· Receive and direct patients

· Allocate appointments using computerised system

· File and check correspondence for archiving

· Rearrange appointments for surgeries when changes occur

· Clear up/tidy GP rooms and restock when necessary

· Deal with other queries at reception desk to best of ability or refer to Reception Supervisor

· Co-operate with system changes

· Take messages

· Chaperone for patient examinations when necessary

· Process payment of fees for relevant services

· Issue repeat prescriptions in accordance with agreed time schedules

General Duties

· Attendance at weekly training meetings.

· Attendance at Protected Learning Time sessions where possible/appropriate.

· Any other tasks which may from time to time be assigned.

· Provide cover for other staff during their absence (due to hols/sickness).

· Liaise with Reception Supervisor concerning potential problems and to promote smooth running of practice.

· Adhere to practice policy on health and safety and endeavour to maintain a high standard of tidiness and safety throughout the building.

· Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality at all times.

· Promote a helpful and cheerful approach to all whilst conforming to standard practice policies wherever possible.

· Adhere to practice policy for opening and closing of surgery.

Health & Safety:

The post-holder will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include:

· Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines

· Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks

· Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills

· Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards

· Reporting potential risks identified

Contribution to the Implementation of Services:

The post-holder will:

· Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance

· Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work

· Participate in audit where appropriate

Conform with the Practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data

Equality and Diversity:

The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include:

· Acting in a way that recognizes the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation

· Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues

· Behaving in a manner, which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights.

Personal/Professional Development:

The post-holder will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include:

· Participation in an annual individual performance review, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development

· Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work

Quality:

The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will:

· Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk

· Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions, either directly or under supervision

· Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance

· Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs

· Effectively manage own time, workload and resources

Communication:

The post-holder should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to:

· Communicate effectively with other team members

· Communicate effectively with patients and carers

· Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly

Any other tasks which may be assigned

The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and be able to demonstrate the ability to prioritise, multi-task and be able to remain level headed and objective at all times. Good communication skills are required, along with patience and an empathetic nature