Medical Receptionist

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Reception/Dispenser to join our team, working at our main site in Ponteland, and into our Branch site at Wylam.

White Medical Group has a patient list size of over 8,000 across 2 sites, the main site in the centre of Ponteland and our Branch site in Wylam.

We are a high achieving GMS practice, with a friendly, supportive and experienced team of staff.

**Main duties of the job**

Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare in a courteous, efficient and effective way.

Provide general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone.

To process/dispense all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs and prescribing nurses where appropriate in accordance with the principles of good practice.

**FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION - please read**

Reception Duties

1. Answer the telephone promptly and action incoming calls as appropriate

2. Ensure familiarity with all appointment systems. Book appointments for surgeries and clinics as required.

3. Ensure patients without appointments but needing an urgent consultation are seen in an efficient manner.

4. Ensure Doctor and Nurse clinics run efficiently.

5. Record requests for home visits as per Practice guidelines.

6. Ensure requests for urgent visits are passed immediately to the doctor with relevant details.

7. Ensure messages are recorded and passed on correctly.

8. Collect fees as appropriate.

9. Arrange ambulance transportation as appropriate.

10. Ensure waiting areas and reception are kept tidy.

11. Ensure medical records are extracted for clinical staff as necessary.

12. Ensure the medical records system is maintained accurately including the filing of all correspondence.

13. Prepare consulting rooms prior to, and at the end of, each surgery to maintain tidiness and ensure the full range of equipment is provided.

14. Arrange repeat prescriptions in accordance with guidelines. Draw the doctors attention to irregular requests.

15. Prepare specimens for laboratory courier as appropriate.

16. Bring urgent results to the notice of doctors.

17. Adhere to the agreed procedure with regard to patient requests for results by telephone.

18. Sort out incoming post.

19. Ensure familiarity with computer systems.

Dispensing Duties

1. To dispense medicines according to Practice guidelines.

2. To ensure that all medicines and appliances dispensed are checked against the prescription and whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose, or labelling instructions, to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor.

3. To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration is duly filled in and signed by the patient.

4. To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the practice are appropriately stored and banked and a record kept of all financial transactions.

5. To endorse all prescription forms as appropriate, collate and forward the forms in a secure manner for processing and reimbursement. The forms should be bundled in accordance with current guidelines and include any necessary accompanying paperwork as required.

6. To promptly forward all invoices and dispensary related correspondence to the practice manager or dispensary manager according to practice policy.

7. To notify the authorising doctor of any feedback so that any appropriate remedial action may be taken.

8. To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out of date stock.

9. To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions.

10. To ensure that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary and that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order.

11. To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time.

12. To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record / logbook.

13. To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate.

Please note that there is a requirement for all non-qualified dispensing staff to undertake an NVQ level 2 in Dispensing Services in order to be able to dispense medication without supervision. This will normally be undertaken within the first 2 years of employment and can be completed online.

Other Duties

1. To work flexible hours as required in order to ensure a reception / dispensing service is provided during the opening hours of the surgery

2. Open premises at the start of the day, secure premises at the end of the day.

3.