Job summary
Houghton Close Surgery has an opportunity for an enthusiastic and proactive medical secretary/receptionist to join our team on apart-time basis for 23.75 hours per week on Monday 07.45-14.15, Wednesday 09.00-18.00 and Friday 07.45-18.00. (Unfortunately we will NOT be able to consider applications from candidates unless they can cover these hours).
Our medical secretaries/receptionists/administrators play a pivotal role in the experience of patients at our practice, helping them to access the right services and dealing with their queries face-to-face, online and by telephone and also in a supporting role to our GPs offering secretarial support.
Initially the role will be primarily that of administrator/receptionist with a small amount of weekly secretarial hours, but is expected to lead to increased secretarial hours over time and would also include offering secretarial cover when others are on leave/sick.
Main duties of the job
The main responsibilities of the role include:
- Answer telephone calls promptly and direct enquiries appropriately
- Book, amend, and cancel patient appointments using the clinical system.
- Register new patients and update patient demographic information.
- Welcome patients and visitors in a courteous and professional manner.
- Manage patient arrivals, check-ins, and waiting room enquiries.
- Handle patient queries sensitively and maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Maintain accurate electronic patient records.
- Scan clinical correspondence.
- Undertake care navigation, for all patient contacts, in line with NHS England and practice guidance and practice protocols. With the increasing use of technology in general practice, medical secretaries are playing an increasingly important role in managing patient information and ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the data they need to deliver high-quality care.
- Providing a full secretarial service including the typing of letters, reports, patient referrals, etc.
- Handling queries regarding hospital appointments and treatments
About us
Houghton Close Surgery is a semi-rural, GMS dispensing practice in Mid Bedfordshire with approximately 11,700 patients. Housed in a large, modern, purpose-built surgery, we are a cohesive, hard-working and friendly team providing high-quality care to our patients and a supportive working environment for our staff.
We are a forward-thinking training practice, supporting both GP registrars and Cambridge medical students.
The practice consists of six partners, two salaried GPs, registrars, a practice manager, nursing, dispensary and administrative teams. We also benefit from a full complement of PCN staff including a clinical pharmacy team, advanced nurse practitioner, GP assistant and physician associate.
Our aim is to provide excellent clinical care that is available, accessible and efficient. We recognise the importance of teamwork in achieving this goal and are committed to supporting the wellbeing, development and job satisfaction of our staff.
Details
- Date posted: 22 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £24,800 to £25,300 a year pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Part-time
- Reference number: 29792
- Job locations: 1 Houghton Close, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, MK45 2TG, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
If you would like to find out more information about this role, please see the attached job specification.
Person specification
General practice is a challenging environment that requires a calm and caring approach with the ability to work under pressure. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated team player who has customer service/patient experience, offers excellent communication skills, and has the following attributes:
Essential
- Ability to work in a polite, confidential and discreet manner, respecting patients and colleagues at all times.
- Experience of working with the general public, being sensitive and empathic in distressing situations.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Previous secretarial experience.
- Strong IT and administration skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Previous medical or healthcare receptionist experience is desirable.
- Some flexibility is required, as you will be required to work additional or alternative hours to cover for colleagues.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Clinical Support Administrator/Medical Secretary with Primary Care Careers in Bury St Edmunds, East of England, England. It is listed as a Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £24,800 to £25,300 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 31 Aug 2026.
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