Patient Services Advisor

Job summary

North Petherton Surgery has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Patient Services Advisor to join its team. This is a permanent post of 34.5 hours.

The rate of pay is from £11.44 - £11.70 per hour, dependent on experience and the post also benefits from an NHS or NEST pension.

Main duties of the job

To provide administration and reception duties for the practice, dealing with patients, clinical staff and colleagues in an efficient and polite manner. Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional and undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the Practice in accordance with agreed procedures, protocols and timescales.

About us

Symphony Healthcare Services Ltd. is a growing primary care organisation based in Somerset which aims to improve and develop the best patient-centred care and services in the country, and we are embracing change within general practice by implementing new and innovative models of care.

If you are passionate about delivering outstanding healthcare and share our values, join us to support the achievement of our goals.

Job description

Job responsibilities
- Identify and book appointments and home visits in line with practice protocols, including cross-organisation bookings.
- Search for, register if necessary and book onto the computer system patients as they present at the desk.
- Deal with enquiries, signposting and requests, either face to face or over the telephone from a variety of external sources, such as patients, relatives, clinical team, hospital, pathology, and work colleagues.
- Deal with distressed/aggressive patients safely and appropriately as they present at the desk or over the telephone
- Be able to prioritise patients in need of urgent medical attention who present to reception in person or telephone in and direct them to the correct clinical intervention/appointment
- Deal with requests from patients and GPs for emergency calls, following protocol and dialling 999 as required.
- Maintain an overview of the waiting areas, informing patients of any known delays and ensuring the area remains in a neat and tidy condition.
- Follow up hospital appointments, test results etc. and act upon messages on the system from the medical team
- Record visit requests and alert duty doctor according to practice policy.
- Receive urgent results as they come in from the pathology department at the hospital. Liaise with GP and contact patients with information.
- Handle specimen samples from patients appropriately.
- Open up/lock Practice premises and maintain security in accordance with Practice protocols.
- Ensure telephone system has been transferred correctly to out of hours message.
- General daily administration tasks such as scanning, filing, retrieving paperwork, photocopying and faxing
- Hand completed repeat prescriptions to patient and check name and address.
- To initially handle patient complaints by providing relevant information and by informing the Practice Manager
- as to the nature of any complaints, including informally made complaints.
- Carry out inputting and alterations to computer records, including but not limited to change of addresses, message books and any other admin tasks as they arrive.
- Complete new patient registration process as requested and with appropriate training
- Acting as a chaperone (once relevant training has been completed).
- Assist in contacting patients who fall in to the various Target areas as requested.
- Advise patients of relevant charges for private services and accept payments/issue receipts.
- Clear and re-stock consulting rooms if required (including stationary and prescription paperwork).
- Keep all areas of the building, noticeboards and leaflet dispensers tidy.
- Attend ancillary and other staff meetings and training courses as required.
- Participate in an annual appraisal.
- To assist with the provision of cover for colleagues absences (leave and sickness absences).
- To assist/support with the induction and training of new staff as directed by the Practice Manager or Lead.
- Offer general support to the practice and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors.
- To assist with any other duties that may be required to ensure the smooth running of the practice.
- Liaise with patients and pharmacies regarding prescription queries and requests as required.

Person Specification

Knowledge and skills

Essential
- Computer literate and good keyboard skills.
- Ability to listen carefully and communicate effectively and sensitively (verbal and written) to patients and staff at a range of levels.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to transfer accurate information.
- Work well under pressure.
- Use own initiative within clear boundaries, seeking advice when necessary.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Ability to complete tasks