Job summary
Houghton Close Surgery has an opportunity for an enthusiastic and proactive receptionist to join our team on apart-time basis for 21.75 hours per week working on a Monday 09.00-18.30, Wednesday 07.45 - 18.00 and Thursday 14.00-18.00. (Unfortunately we will NOT be able to consider applications from candidates unless they can cover these hours).
The receptionist plays 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.
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.
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: £24,710 to £25,140 a year pro rata
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Part-time
- Reference number: 29784
- 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.
- 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.
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Medical Secretary roles in Bury St Edmunds
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Clinical Support Administrator/Receptionist 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 £24,710 to £25,140 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 31 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (22 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.