Job summary We are seeking to appoint an experienced receptionist with a dispensing qualification. The post is based at Ponteland Primary Care Centre although some travel to our branch surgery in Wylam will be required. Main duties of the job Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way. Provide general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, either in person or via the telephone. To process all relevant prescriptions as authorised by GPs and prescribing nurses where appropriate in accordance with the principles of good practice. About us White Medical Group serves approximately 8,500 patients across a large geographical area and operating from two sites. The main site in Ponteland and the branch site in Wylam. The practice offers the range of GP services and dispensing services to patients who live more than a mile from a pharmacy, providing convenient access to medications for rural communities. Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number A2514-25-0005 Job locations Ponteland Primary Care Centre Meadowfield Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9SD White Medical Group Jackson Road Wylam Northumberland NE418EL Job description Job responsibilities MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Reception Duties 1. Answer the telephone promptly and action incoming calls as appropriate 2. Ensure familiarity with all appointment systems. Book appointments for surgeries and clinics as required. 3. Ensure patients without appointments but needing an urgent consultation are seen in an efficient manner. 4. Ensure Doctor and Nurse clinics run efficiently. 5. Record requests for home visits as per Practice guidelines. 6. Ensure requests for urgent visits are passed immediately to the doctor with relevant details. 7. Ensure messages are recorded and passed on correctly. 8. Collect fees as appropriate. 9. Arrange ambulance transportation as appropriate. 10. Ensure waiting areas and reception are kept tidy. 11. Ensure medical records are extracted for clinical staff as necessary. 12. Ensure the medical records system is maintained accurately including the filing of all correspondence. 13. Prepare consulting rooms prior to, and at the end of, each surgery to maintain tidiness and ensure the full range of equipment is provided. 14. Arrange repeat prescriptions in accordance with guidelines. Draw the doctors attention to irregular requests. 15. Prepare specimens for laboratory courier as appropriate. 16. Bring urgent results to the notice of doctors. 17. Adhere to the agreed procedure with regard to patient requests for results by telephone. 18. Sort out incoming post. 19. Ensure familiarity with computer systems. Dispensing Duties 1. To dispense medicines according to Practice guidelines. 2. To ensure that all medicines and appliances dispensed are checked against the prescription and whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose, or labelling instructions, to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor. 3. To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration is duly filled in and signed by the patient. 4. To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the practice are appropriately stored and banked and a record kept of all financial transactions. 5. To endorse all prescription forms as appropriate, collate and forward the forms in a secure manner for processing and reimbursement. The forms should be bundled in accordance with current guidelines and include any necessary accompanying paperwork as required. 6. To promptly forward all invoices and dispensary related correspondence to the practice manager or dispensary manager according to practice policy. 7. To notify the authorising doctor of any feedback so that any appropriate remedial action may be taken. 8. To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out of date stock. 9. To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions. 10. To ensure that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary and that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order. 11. To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time. 12. To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record / logbook. 13. To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate. Please note that there is a requirement for all non-qualified dispensing staff to undertake an NVQ level 2 in Dispensing Services in order to be able to dispense medication without supervision. This will normally be undertaken within the first 2 years of employment and can be completed online. Other Duties 1. To work flexible hours as required in order to ensure a reception / dispensing service is provided during the opening hours of the surgery 2. Open premises at the start of the day, secure premises at the end of the day. 3. Set alarm system when last to leave the building. 4. Any other duties considered appropriate for the post. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES 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 post-holder 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 personal and sensitive data. Health & Safety The post-holder 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 and Diversity The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include : - Acting in a way that recognizes 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 Development The post-holder 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, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development - Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Quality The post-holder 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 post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to : - Communicate effectively with other team members - Communicate effectively with patients and carers - Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly. Other Information We do not allow employees of White Medical Group to be registered patients of the Practice due to the potential conflicts of interest that may arise. If the successful candidate is a registered patient of White Medical Group, they will be given 3 months to make alternative arrangements and register elsewhere. Failure to do so would be result in automatic removal from our patient list. Job description Job responsibilities MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Reception Duties 1. Answer the telephone promptly and action incoming calls as appropriate 2. Ensure familiarity with all appointment systems. Book appointments for surgeries and clinics as required. 3. Ensure patients without appointments but needing an urgent consultation are seen in an efficient manner. 4. Ensure Doctor and Nurse clinics run efficiently. 5. Record requests for home visits as per Practice guidelines. 6. Ensure requests for urgent visits are passed immediately to the doctor with relevant details. 7. Ensure messages are recorded and passed on correctly. 8. Collect fees as appropriate. 9. Arrange ambulance transportation as appropriate. 10. Ensure waiting areas and reception are kept tidy. 11. Ensure medical records are extracted for clinical staff as necessary. 12. Ensure the medical records system is maintained accurately including the filing of all correspondence. 13. Prepare consulting rooms prior to, and at the end of, each surgery to maintain tidiness and ensure the full range of equipment is provided. 14. Arrange repeat prescriptions in accordance with guidelines. Draw the doctors attention to irregular requests. 15. Prepare specimens for laboratory courier as appropriate. 16. Bring urgent results to the notice of doctors. 17. Adhere to the agreed procedure with regard to patient requests for results by telephone. 18. Sort out incoming post. 19. Ensure familiarity with computer systems. Dispensing Duties 1. To dispense medicines according to Practice guidelines. 2. To ensure that all medicines and appliances dispensed are checked against the prescription and whenever there is doubt about the appropriateness of the item, or about the dose, or labelling instructions, to check with the authorising doctor or duty doctor. 3. To collect all due prescription charges and ensure that the patient declaration is duly filled in and signed by the patient. 4. To ensure that all monies received or handled on behalf of the practice are appropriately stored and banked and a record kept of all financial transactions. 5. To endorse all prescription forms as appropriate, collate and forward the forms in a secure manner for processing and reimbursement. The forms should be bundled in accordance with current guidelines and include any necessary accompanying paperwork as required. 6. To promptly forward all invoices and dispensary related correspondence to the practice manager or dispensary manager according to practice policy. 7. To notify the authorising doctor of any feedback so that any appropriate remedial action may be taken. 8. To operate efficient stock control appropriate to the needs of the practice with the objective of ensuring continuity of supply for patients and minimising wastage through out of date stock. 9. To ensure that drugs are stored in an appropriate manner in accordance with the accompanying instructions. 10. To ensure that shelves and all work surfaces are regularly cleaned to maintain a high level of hygiene within the dispensary and that all dispensary equipment is kept clean and kept in good working order. 11. To take prompt action in response to any drug alert bulletins that may be received from time to time. 12. To ensure that refrigerated items are stored at the appropriate temperature and to maintain a temperature control record / logbook. 13. To maintain full and accurate records of all dispensing transactions incorporating the use of computers when available and appropriate. Please note that there is a requirement for all non-qualified dispensing staff to undertake an NVQ level 2 in Dispensing Services in order to be able to dispense medication without supervision. This will normally be undertaken within the first 2 years of employment and can be completed online. Other Duties 1. To work flexible hours as required in order to ensure a reception / dispensing service is provided during the opening hours of the surgery 2. Open premises at the start of the day, secure premises at the end of the day. 3. Set alarm system when last to leave the building. 4. Any other duties considered appropriate for the post. OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES 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 post-holder 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 personal and sensitive data. Health & Safety The post-holder 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 and Diversity The post-holder will support the equality, diversity and rights of patients, carers and colleagues, to include : - Acting in a way that recognizes 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 Development The post-holder 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, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and/or professional development - Taking responsibility for own development, learning and performance and demonstrating skills and activities to others who are undertaking similar work. Quality The post-holder 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 post-holder should recognize the importance of effective communication within the team and will strive to : - Communicate effectively with other team members - Communicate effectively with patients and carers - Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly. Other Information We do not allow employees of White Medical Group to be registered patients of the Practice due to the potential conflicts of interest that may arise. If the successful candidate is a registered patient of White Medical Group, they will be given 3 months to make alternative arrangements and register elsewhere. Failure to do so would be result in automatic removal from our patient list. Person Specification Qualifications Essential - GCSE grade A-C in English and Maths - Dispensing qualification Knowledge, skills and attitude Essential Understanding of confidentiality and Data Security Effective verbal and written communication skills Excellent telephone manner Ability to prioritise workload and have good attention to detail IT skills Ability to work under pressure and deal with difficult situations Must be able to work as an integral member of a team A flexible approach to working patterns Must have a professional attitude / appearance and be courteous at all times Desirable Familiar with General Practice procedures Experience of EMIS Web Experience Essential - Previous experience of dealing with patients / customers in reception - Previous experience of working in the NHS - Clerical / Admin experience - Working in a busy environment - Previous experience of working in a Dispensary Desirable - Previous experience of working in a GP practice Person Specification Qualifications Essential - GCSE grade A-C in English and Maths - Dispensing qualification Knowledge, skills and attitude Essential Understanding of confidentiality and Data Security Effective verbal and written communication skills Excellent telephone manner Ability to prioritise workload and have good attention to detail IT skills Ability to work under pressure and deal with difficult situations Must be able to work as an integral member of a team A flexible approach to working patterns Must have a professional attitude / appearance and be courteous at all times Desirable Familiar with General Practice procedures Experience of EMIS Web Experience Essential - Previous experience of dealing with patients / customers in reception - Previous experience of working in the NHS - Clerical / Admin experience - Working in a busy environment - Previous experience of working in a Dispensary Desirable - Previous experience of working in a GP practice Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name White Medical Group Address Ponteland Primary Care Centre Meadowfield Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 9SD Employer's website https://whitemedicalgroup.gpsurgery.net (Opens in a new tab)