Detailed job description and main responsibilities The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities. Main responsibilities: • The post holder will welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the department and provide advice or guidance, information or assistance as appropriate. • They will work as part of a team providing front line administration services to the department, welcome patients and visitors to the department, the booking of outpatient appointments, ensuring medical notes and appropriate documentation is prepared and available for all clinics, answering the telephone to both internal and external callers and arrange patient transport as required. • Well-developed interpersonal skills, remaining composed at all times. • Show empathy when dealing with emotionally distressed patients or those receiving bad news. • Be able to concentrate whilst working in a busy, potentially noisy environment. • Prepare all relevant documentation for clinics, making sure patient labels, new referrals and results are all available in the patient's notes. • Liaise with consultants and secretaries regarding queries with clinics and copies of referral letters. • Ensure PIMS is fully maintained, all patient information up to date and clinics are appropriately cashed up and patients added to waiting lists where appropriate. • Ensure that the Reception area is well maintained at all times, this may involve liaison with Domestic and Estates departments. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Good standard of oral and written English GCSE or equivalent Experience Essential criteria Recent Reception experience Experience in Customer Care Experience of using databases Desirable criteria Previous reception experience Knowledge Essential criteria Knowledge of filing/record keeping Excellent communication skills - written and verbal Evidence of working in a multidisciplinary team Demonstrates a knowledge of confidentiality issues and able to work within requirements of Data Protection Desirable criteria Use of Hospital PiMS Personal Skills Essential criteria To work in other areas of the department and trust when required Self-awareness of assets and limitations Ability to prioritise workload Willingness to undertake training as required Desirable criteria Demonstrates the ability to adapt and change within a working situation It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Employer certification / accreditation badges