JOB SUMMARY: The purpose of the role is to: Offer general assistance to the practice team and project a positive and friendly image to patients and other visitors, whether in person or via the telephone. Receive, assist and direct patients in accessing the appropriate service or healthcare professional in a courteous, efficient and effective way. Undertake a variety of administrative duties to assist in the smooth running of the practice. Facilitate effective communication between patients, members of the primary health care team, secondary care and other associated healthcare agencies. The duties and responsibilities to be undertaken by members of the practice team may include any or all of the items in the following list. Duties may be varied from time to time under the direction of the Reception Co-ordinator and Administration Co-ordinator, dependent on current and evolving practice workload and staffing levels: Opening up/locking-up of practice premises and maintaining security in accordance with Practice protocols Processing personal and telephone requests for appointments, visits and telephone consultations and ensuring callers are directed to the appropriate person. Taking messages and passing on information. Processing and distributing incoming and outgoing mail Filing and retrieving paperwork Processing repeat prescriptions in accordance with practice guidelines Computer data entry/data allocation and collation; processing and recording information in accordance with practice procedures and scanning of clinical documents. 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 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. 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 appraisal, including taking responsibility for maintaining a record of own personal and / or professional development The post-holder will strive to maintain quality within the practice, and will: 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 The post-holder 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 Recognize peoples needs for alternative methods of communication and respond accordingly Contribution to the implementation of services: The post-holder will: Apply practice policies, standards and guidance