Job summary
Bruton Surgery are looking for a Patient Services Advisor (Receptionist/Administrator) to join their friendly team on a permanent basis.
This position is for up to 30 hours per week. The rate of pay is from £ - £ per hour, dependent on experience. The post also benefits from an NHS or NEST pension.
Main duties of the job
To provide administration and reception dutiesfor the practice, dealing with patients, clinical staff and colleagues in anefficient and polite manner. Receive, assist and direct patients in accessingthe appropriate service or healthcare professional and undertake a variety ofadministrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the Practice inaccordance with agreed procedures, protocols and timescales.
About us
Symphony Healthcare Services 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
1. Identify and book appointments and home visits in line with practice protocols, including cross-organisation bookings.
2. Search for, register if necessary and book onto the computer system patients as they present at the desk.
3. 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.
4. Deal with distressed/aggressive patients safely and appropriately as they present at the desk or over the telephone
5. 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
6. Deal with requests from patients and GPs for emergency calls, following protocol and dialling 999 as required.
7. Maintain an overview of the waiting areas, informing patients of any known delays and ensuring the area remains in a neat and tidy condition.
8. Follow up hospital appointments, test results etc. and act upon messages on the system from the medical team
9. Record visit requests and alert duty doctor according to practice policy.
10. Receive urgent results as they come in from the pathology department at the hospital. Liaise with GP and contact patients with information.
11. Handle specimen samples from patients appropriately.
12. Open up/lock Practice premises and maintain security in accordance with Practice protocols.
13. Ensure telephone system has been transferred correctly to out of hours message.
14. General daily administration tasks such as scanning, filing, retrieving paperwork, photocopying and faxing
15. Deal with and respond to post and general emails in a timely manner and fax/email urgent requests to hospital
16. Hand completed repeat prescriptions to patient and check name and address.
17. To initially handle patient complaints by providing relevant information and by informing the Practice Manager
18. as to the nature of any complaints, including informally made complaints.
19. 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.
20. Complete new patient registration process as requested and with appropriate training
21. Acting as a chaperone (once relevant training has been completed)
22. Assist in contacting patients who fall in to the various Target areas as requested.
23. Advise patients of relevant charges for private services and accept payments/issue receipts
24. Clear and re-stock consulting rooms if required (including stationary and prescription paperwork)
25. Keep all areas of the building, noticeboards and leaflet dispensers tidy
26. Attend ancillary and other staff meetings and training courses as required
27. Participate in an annual appraisal
28. To assist with the provision of cover for colleagues absences (leave and sickness absences).
29. To assist/support with the induction and training of new staff as directed by the Practice Manager or Lead
30. Offer general support to the practice and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors.
31. To assist with any other duties that may be required to ensure the smooth running of the practice.
32. Liaise with patients and pharmacies regarding prescription queries and requests as required
Person Specification
Knowledge and skills
Essential
33. Computer literate and good keyboard skills.
34. Ability to listen carefully and communicate effectively and sensitively (verbal and written) to patients and staff at a range of levels.
35. Excellent organisational skills.
36. Strong attention to detail and the ability to transfer accurate information.
37. Work well under pressure.
38. Use own initiative within clear boundaries, seeking advice when necessary.
39. Demonstrate enthusiasm and a strong sense of teamwork.
40. Ability to complete tasks to a high standard with frequent interruptions.
Desirable
41. Knowledge of the NHS/General Practice
42. Knowledge of medical terminology
Qualifications
Essential
43. English & Maths GCSE or equivalent (grade A*-D/ grade 9 to 3)
Experience
Essential
44. Experience of working within a team.
45. Recognise the significance of different situations (including emergencies) and take appropriate action, following standard policies and procedures.
Desirable
46. Experience of working in a customer focused environment.
47. Experience of working within an administration team.
48. Experience of working in the NHS or similar health care setting.