Job overview
Department Overview: The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In line with Department of Health guidelines, all patients must be seen, treated, and either discharged or admitted within four hours of arrival.
This is a fast-paced and high-demand environment. Staff will routinely be exposed to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially distressing clinical situations. The role requires the ability to work under pressure, manage challenging interactions, and provide mutual support within the team. While support and reporting mechanisms are in place, staff should be prepared for occasional exposure to verbal or face-to-face aggression.
Main duties of the job
As a member of the Emergency Department (ED) reception team, you will be the first point of contact for all patients arriving at the department. You will play a vital role in ensuring that all patients are welcomed and registered promptly, efficiently, and with professionalism and compassion.
Key Responsibilities:
- Greet and register all patients attending the ED, ensuring accurate demographic data is entered into the system in a timely manner.
- Act as the central communication point between patients, clinical staff, and external partners.
- Provide comprehensive administrative support to medical and nursing teams, including:
Accurate clinical coding of attendances
Booking and coordinating time-critical ambulance transfers
Handling incoming and outgoing telephone enquiries
Managing and processing clinical documentation such as photocopying, scanning, and uploading patient notes into the electronic record system
Preparing transfer paperwork for ward admissions
- Accurate clinical coding of attendances
- Booking and coordinating time-critical ambulance transfers
- Handling incoming and outgoing telephone enquiries
- Managing and processing clinical documentation such as photocopying, scanning, and uploading patient notes into the electronic record system
- Preparing transfer paperwork for ward admissions
- Monitor patient flow and ensure records are kept up to date throughout their stay in the department.
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including internal hospital departments and external agencies such as Mental Health services, Police, Ambulance Services, and Social Services.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times while adhering to data protection and trust policies.
- Respond to challenging and emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and resilience.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the department by supporting other reception colleagues during busy periods or in their absence.
Working Pattern:
This is a 24/7, 365-days-per-year service. You will work a fixed shift pattern of 4 days on, 4 days off, including weekends and bank holidays. Shift flexibility is essential to ensure adequate coverage across the department.
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment while remaining calm and composed.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing shift patterns and departmental needs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently and empathetically with patients, families, clinical teams, and external agencies.
- High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in data entry and documentation.
- A proactive and supportive team player with a commitment to delivering excellent patient care through high-quality administrative support.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Further information about the Trust and this role can be found on the Job Description and Person Specification document attached.