AddressJob Summary: The receptionist is an important member of the Practice Team. The purpose of the job is to provide a point of contact for patients, and act as a focal point of communication between patients, doctors and other medical and non-medical staff. The ability to communicate confidently and effectively with patients, doctors, colleagues and other agencies is therefore vital. Job Responsibilities: At the start of the day, open the surgery and prepare for morning surgery.
Pass on any messages as necessary. At the end of the day, ensure all computers and systems are switched off and ensure the security of the premises before leaving if the last person to leave. Arrange patient appointments and record their arrivals on the computer system. Receive and note down messages given by patients, record requests for home visits both electronically.
Ensure messages are appropriately passed using electronic task system, informing colleagues of any urgent messages the doctors need to see. Answer patient queries both in person, over the telephone & buzzer system, including results of investigations, hospital appointments and give advice on administrative matters. Refer to other colleagues where appropriate. Ensure accurate and detailed information is given when accepting new patients, inform them of the way to Practice works and issue them with a Practice Leaflet.
Prepare repeat prescriptions in readiness for the doctors authorisation and signature, ensuring it is sent via EPS where required. To highlight overdue medication reviews to the GP when needed, via the electronic system. Work through the Docman inbox and EMIS Tasks and contact patients/hospital secretaries/third parties where appropriate and complete the messages required. Book any interpreters via the interpreting service when needed.
Liaise effectively with doctors, nurses and other Practice staff including attached professional staff such as midwives, district nurses and health visitors, other external agencies such as hospitals, chemists, social services, to ensure relevant information is passed on appropriately. Additional duties: Organising paper notes into date order Registering patients on the computer Additional administration duties as required by the practice. 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 receptionist 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 the personal and sensitive data.
Health & Safety: The receptionist will assist in promoting and maintaining their own and others health, safety and security as defined in the Practice Health & Safety Policy, to include: Using personal security systems within the workplace according to Practice guidelines Identifying the risks involved in work activities and undertaking such activities in a way that manages those risks Making effective use of training to update knowledge and skills Using appropriate infection control procedures, maintaining work areas in a tidy and safe way and free from hazards Reporting potential risks identified Equality & Diversity: The receptionist will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include: Acting in a way that recognises the importance of peoples rights, interpreting them in a way that is consistent with Practice procedures and policies, and current legislation. Respecting the privacy, dignity, needs and beliefs of patients, carers and colleagues. Behaving in a manner which is welcoming to and of the individual, is non-judgmental and respects their circumstances, feelings priorities and rights. Personal/Professional Development: The receptionist will participate in any training programme implemented by the Practice as part of this employment, such training to include: Participation in an annual individual performance review.
Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Attending and contributing to practice meetings. Quality: The receptionist will strive to maintain quality within the Practice, and will: Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk Assess own performance and take accountability for own actions either directly or under supervision Contribute to the effectiveness of the team by reflecting on own and team activities and making suggestions on ways to improve and enhance the teams performance Work effectively with individuals in other agencies to meet patients needs Effectively manage own time, workload and resources Communication: The receptionist should recognise the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to: Communicate effectively with other team members Communicate effectively with patients and carers Recognise peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Contribution to the Implementation of Services: The receptionist will: Apply Practice policies, standards and guidance Discuss with other members of the team how the policies, standards and guidelines will affect own work
