Job Summary
We are looking to employ a full‑time Reception Lead to work alongside our Reception Manager to assist in the smooth running of the team in a busy GP surgery. The surgery is open 5 days a week from 8 am until 6.30 pm, so you will need to cover these times in a varied shift pattern and work at both of our sites.
Responsibilities
* Greet patients cheerfully and maintain a high practice image at all times.
* Supervise and provide daily guidance to the front desk team, including training new staff and managing schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
* Answer telephone calls and handle requests for appointments and information in accordance with the practice guidelines, ensuring quick line clearance.
* Use the Anima booking and messaging tool competently.
* Be aware of patients' and callers' emotional states and provide supportive responses.
* Solve problems quickly, including IT related issues.
* Attend regular meetings and liaise with the Reception Manager, Practice Management Team and all other colleagues, including clinical and non‑clinical staff.
* Relay messages to staff via the EMIS Web email system or NHS mail.
* Support the designated person collating cover when colleagues are absent for sickness or holiday.
* Prepare waiting and consulting rooms when opening the surgery.
* Dispose of confidential waste safely and securely; record petty‑cash and handle documents in line with GDPR policy.
* Ensure the practice is secure when leaving, including locking windows and logging off software.
* Provide general support to staff when absent and offer assistance to any team member.
* Check new‑patient and change‑of‑details forms and verify details before sending to admin.
* Photocopy relevant registration information.
* Collect and record patient data such as phone numbers, name, address, smoking status and other alerts in the EMIS Web system.
* Give test results when requested, referencing GP notes; if no GP comment, inform the patient that interpretation is not possible.
* Use the NHS Smart card responsibly for registering patients and updating records.
* Print medication requests, prepare for GP signatures or EPS, and file repeat medication requests in alphabetical order.
* Handle all scripts and correspondence in alphabetical order and deposit correspondence in the collection box.
* Prepare internal post for collection, receive parcels (including vaccination parcels that require cold‑chain compliance), and assemble blood and specimen bags.
* Stamp outgoing post and hand it to staff at lunch or after hours.
* Review patient notes and act on them daily.
Qualifications
* A good level of education.
* Qualification in social care is desirable.
* IT skills, particularly in health‑care settings, are an advantage.
Personal Skills & Experience
* Good team player.
* Able to motivate a team.
* Can keep calm under pressure.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Multitasking ability.
* Passionate about patient care.
* Background in health‑care or relevant systems is desirable.
Confidentiality
* Patients entrust us with sensitive health information, and staff must respect their privacy.
* Access to confidential information about patients, staff or the practice is strictly confidential.
* Only authorised persons may receive such information, consistent with practice policies and data protection legislation.
Health & Safety
* Use personal security systems as per guidelines.
* Identify risks and manage them accordingly.
* Update knowledge and skills through training.
* Follow infection control procedures and keep work areas tidy and safe.
* Report potential risks.
Equality & Diversity
* Support equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues.
* Act in a way that recognises the importance of people’s rights, interpreting them consistently with practice procedures, policies and legislation.
* Respect privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues.
Employer
Parkside Family Practice
224 Wokingham Road, Reading, RG6 1JS
Website: https://www.parksidefamilypractice.nhs.uk/
Employment Details
Type: Full‑time
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Location: 224 Wokingham Road and 6 Headley Road, Woodley, Reading.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Flexible working.
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