Receptionist

**Job summary**: Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional 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 DUTIES: Open premises, switch off burglar alarm, check heating and check surgery is tidy. Turn answer phone off. Welcome patients on arrival.
Ensure waiting room is tidied after each surgery. Handle enquiries and make new and follow-up appointments. Check inbox and reception book at start of shift Answer telephone and deal with or re-direct as appropriate. Take written requests for repeat prescriptions.
Prepare prescriptions including accessing website and mail manager. Register new patients for VOS Delete old prescriptions over 3 months old Destroy old uncollected letters (check with relevant GP first)
- letters should be dated before filing Action returned workflows from GPs in Docman Find and file medical records on request Take requests for home visits and contact doctors if not on premises - according to practice policy. Registration of patients - according to practice policy. Inform of new patient check up and issue practice information booklet and sample bottle.
Update consultation manager and book NPHC for new registrations. Send SMS messages via NHS mail Record all messages via GP books and complete where possible. Pass any left over messages to oncoming staff. Make refreshments for doctors and staff.
Wash up. Make appointments for medical examinations Attend practice/receptionist meetings in order to keep up to date with policies and changes etc. Leave reception area tidy for incoming colleagues. Check heating, lighting, windows and doors.
Chaperoning - on request Bag up shredding Set burglar alarm at end of day. Administration To have a thorough knowledge of all practice procedures. To work in accordance of written protocols & practice handbook. Pulling/filing notes Fax and photocopy as requested Take messages for practice & relate to appropriate team members, dealing with replies as needed (as TASKS) Reception Receiving patients consulting with members of practice team Handing completed repeat prescriptions to patient and checking names and address.
Be able to cover all reception positions as necessary Appointments Process appointment requests for today, future appointments from patients by telephone and in person. Deal with visits requests Computer Registrations of new patients - computer data entry and medical records. Process patients change of address - computer data and medical records. Have knowledge of practice area.
Process repeat prescription request in accordance with practice guidelines. Process practice mail including fax & electronic communication. Scan documents to practice computer system. Telephone Have working knowledge of telephone system, during and after hours.
Other Tasks Clear rooms after surgeries Ensure building security - have thorough knowledge of doors/windows/alarm. Make Official visitors welcome & offer refreshments as necessary. Any other tasks allocated by managers e.g. making drinks for other occupied staff members when appropriate.
**Confidentiality**: In the course of seeking treatment, patients entrust us with, or allow us to gather, sensitive information in relation to their health and other matters. They do so in confidence and have the right to expect that staff will respect their privacy and act appropriately In the performance of the duties outlined in this job description, the post-holder may have access to confidential information relating to patients and their carers, practice staff and other healthcare workers. They may also have access to information relating to the practice as a business organisation. All such information from any source is to be regarded as strictly confidential Information relating to patients, carers, colleagues, other healthcare workers or the business of the practice may only be divulged to authorised persons in accordance with the practice policies and procedures relating to confidentiality and the protection of personal and sensitive data 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, the practice health & safety manual, and the practice infection control policy and published procedures.