Job responsibilities General Reception/administrative support to the Practice Team providing a positive and friendly professional service to patients and visitors, either in person or via the telephone. Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professionally in a courteous, efficient and effective way. Undertake a variety of administrative duties as appropriate, this includes the provision of secretarial and clerical support to clinical staff and other members of the practice team. Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies. Adhere to the Powys Teaching Health Boards policies and procedures. Work on a rota system (as required), and to cover colleagues, sickness absence and annual leave. (This may occur at short notice to meet the service needs). Operate the Medical Practice switchboard system including reporting of faults and issues with the equipment. Receive and make telephone calls as directed and required. Maintain the Medical Practice Triage system following standard operating procedures when undertaking Reception duties and explain the Triage system to patients. Deal with all general enquiries, explain operating procedures as appropriate and required. To operate the appointment system and book new and follow-up appointments for patients. Ensure an effective and efficient Reception service is provided to patients and any other visitors to the practice, and provide a proactive professional customer service at all times. Update patient information onto electronic and hard copy systems as required; ensuring information is up to date and accurate in patients records Following standard operating procedures ensure that patients without appointments who need urgent consultation are seen in a timely manner. Explain Practice procedure and formal requirements to new patients and those seeking temporary cover and ensure procedures are completed. Ensure that all new patients are correctly registered accurately onto the electronic patient within 3 days of the registration form being submitted to the Practice. Enter home visits requests onto the Duty Doctor list, ensuring accurate recording of all relevant details are available for consultations. Action repeat prescription requests either on the computer or manually ensuring they are ready for collection by the patient within 72 hours as set out in the operating procedures. Inform patients of any relevant charges for private (non-General Medical Services) services, accept payment and issue receipts. Ensure the waiting room is clear of any hazards i.e. deliveries moved straightaway ensuring patients do not trip. Receive, sort and dispatch mail and parcels to the appropriate person. Organise the despatch of emergency specimens and bloods Ensure all visitors/engineers sign in on arrival.