Role Purpose:To provide a point of contact for patients and act as a focal point of communication between patients, doctors and other medical staff. To deal efficiently with patient-related administration and data entry requirements. Reception Duties: 1. Ensure efficiency of appointment system and monitor flow of patients into consulting and treatment rooms. 2. Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover. Ensure necessary procedures are completed. 3. Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and other visitors in a helpful and friendly manner. 4. Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way. 5. Ensure that repeat prescriptions are actioned where possible within 2 working days. 6. Advice patients of relevant charges for private services accept payment and issue receipts for same. 7. Ensure reception and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy. 8. To provide holiday and sickness cover for other receptionist/administrators when required. Management of Appointment Systems 1. Ensure total familiarity with appointment systems. 2. To signpost patients to the most appropriate health professional. 3. Ensure that patients requests with regard to choice of GP and timing of appointments are met wherever possible. 4. Book appointments ensuring sufficient information is recorded to retrieve medical and computer record and to identify the purpose of the appointment. 5. Monitor effectiveness of the system and report any problems. Management of Medical Records 1. Retrieve and re-file records as required ensuring that strict alphabetical order is adhered to. 2. To deal with new registrations and deductions. Data entry/computer 1. To scan hospital letters and other patient-related documents into patients computer records, as and when required. 2. To enter patient related data onto the computer. Operation of Telephone System To receive and make calls as required, divert calls and take messages as appropriate. Ensure that system is operational at the beginning of each day and switched over to answer phone service at the end of the day. Start and End of Day Procedures 1. Open up premises at the start of day and make all necessary preparation to receive patients. 2. Secure premises at end of day, ensure the building is totally secured, internal lights off and alarm activated. Other 1. Each receptionist will be responsible for undertaking specific additional delegated tasks as mutually agreed, or as requested by the Practice Manager or GPs. 2. To comply with all relevant practice procedures, regulations and protocols, and to maintain confidentiality at all times with particular reference to patient and staff records. 3. To be responsible for own health and safety and to contribute to the safe working of the surgery.