MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST: The main purpose of the job is to provide reception and administrative support to the GP Practice to ensure the medical and nursing staff can provide an effective, efficient and caring service to the practice population. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensure efficient operation of the appointment system and monitor the flow of patients into consulting and treatment rooms. Explain practice arrangements and formal requirements to new patients, and those seeking temporary cover. Ensure registration procedures are completed. Respond to all queries and requests for assistance from patients and other visitors. Enter requests for home visits including all necessary information. Take and process requests for repeat prescriptions. Ensure that the patient is aware of when the prescription will be ready for collection. Ensure reception and waiting areas are kept neat and tidy. Book appointments, ensuring full name and DOB are entered, to ensure that the correct record is retrieved. Retrieve and refile records as required, ensuring that strict alphabetical order is adhered to. Receive and make calls as required. Divert calls and take messages as appropriate. Ensure that the system is operational at the beginning of each day. Open up the premises at the start of day and make all necessary preparation to receive patients. Scan hospital letters and other correspondence. Dealing with changes of address. Create new patient records. Replenish any necessary stock Use of all office equipment. Any other duties the management feel appropriate to the role. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POST: An understanding, acceptance and adherence to the need for strict confidentiality. An ability to use own judgement, resourcefulness, common sense, and local knowledge to respond to patients' enquiries and requests. Keyboard skills necessary to undertake responsibilities involving use of the practice's clinical computer system. Needs to work effectively as a member of the Reception team, other Practice members and the wider primary healthcare team. High degree of flexibility in hours worked required. Work additional shifts to cover staff absence and attend staff meetings outside of normal working hours. To assist in maintaining their own and others health and safety To support the equality, diversity and right of patients, carers and colleagues