Outpatient Receptionist

Applicants are invited to join the Outpatient Reception Team at Bedford Hospital. The post holder will have experience in a similar role. Knowledge of patient record systems/data bases with proven experience, plus previous admin/clerical experience. Applicants should ideally have experience of healthcare services.

Well-developed interpersonal skills – able to converse in a positive manner at all levels. Be dependable with a flexible attitude to work and able to work on your own initiative. You must possess strong organisational skills, be able to deliver objectives within an agreed timeframe, excellent people and communication skills to maintain effective communication links, and have a flexible approach to the evolving needs of the service. It is essential that you possess excellent keyboard skills and experience of administering data bases.

The post holder will have day to day responsibility for the administration of the relevant Patient Information system and the Reception area. They will work as part of a team providing front line administration services to the department, welcome patients and visitors to the department, the booking of outpatient appointments, ensuring medical notes and appropriate documentation is prepared and available for all clinics, answering the telephone to both internal and external callers and arrange patient transport as required. You will need to be physically fit and able to lift.

This is a busy area with a high output of work and staff are required to work efficiently as part of a team whilst maintaining courtesy, tact and diplomacy at all times.

Ensure that the Reception area is well maintained at all times.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.

You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.

All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.

Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.

Main responsibilities:

• The post holder will welcome patients, relatives and visitors to the department and provide advice or guidance, information or assistance as appropriate.
• They will work as part of a team providing front line administration services to the department, welcome patients and visitors to the department, the booking of outpatient appointments, ensuring medical notes and appropriate documentation is prepared and available for all clinics, answering the telephone to both internal and external callers and arrange patient transport as required.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, remaining composed at all times.
• Show empathy when dealing with emotionally distressed patients or those receiving bad news.
• Be able to concentrate whilst working in a busy, potentially noisy environment.
• Prepare all relevant documentation for clinics, making sure patient labels, new referrals and results are all available in the patient’s notes.
• Liaise with consultants and secretaries regarding queries with clinics and copies of referral letters.
• Ensure IPM is fully maintained, all patient information up to date and clinics are appropriately cashed up and patients added to waiting lists where appropriate.
• Ensure that the Reception area is well maintained at all times, this may involve liaison with Domestic and Estates departments.