Ophthalmology Receptionist

Job overview

We are looking for a pro-active, motivated, enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a challenging and busy environment, within the Ophthalmology Department at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust.

The successful candidate would ideally have experience of working in the NHS, although it is not essential. Applicants should be well organised with excellent communicational skills, able to work well under pressure, with a good telephone manner and be a key team player. Computer literacy are desired although full training will be given.

We are pleased to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to play a vital role in delivering an excellent service to our patients and we cannot wait to have you working in our friendly team.

The post is part time 24 hours a week. The successful candidate will be required to work at Warwick and Stratford upon Avon Eye Unit.

Main duties of the job

To be responsible for providing confidential, accurate and efficient clerical and administrative support for the Ophthalmology service.

To undertake all reception duties including face to face communication with patients and visitors, management of appointments and filing records for the department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY Responsible for organising and maintaining the electronic appointments system for the Ophthalmology service.

To manage, negotiate, arrange and amend appointments and clinics, working to agreed protocols. This will include dealing with enquiries from patients, ophthalmology staff, other health care professionals and visitors on a daily basis.

To update patient records within the Ophthalmology department to maintain the smooth running of the department and treatment of patients. To open and distribute department post, prioritising anything that requires urgent attention and ensure relevant documentation is acted on promptly and appropriately. To receive and sign for items delivered to the department and ensure their appropriate distribution. To be responsible for the wellbeing of patients within the reception area; alerting ophthalmology / senior staff to any changes on patients health status and attitude. To provide induction training on the day-to-day processes of the reception area to new staff. To provide continuous support and advice to less experienced members of the administrative staff. Maintain patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with the data protection act. To support the administration teams in registration of referrals onto the Trust’s appointment system. INFORMATION AND DATA USE Authorised to use the Trust’s appointment system to view and retrieve patient information, on behalf of the ophthalmology staff, as requested. To enter relevant information, in an accurate and timely manner, onto the Trust’s appointment system, including appointment details, 18 week outcome information, patient demographics, etc. COMMUNICATION To be the first point of contact for patients and visitors to the department, at all times being professional, courteous and ensuring tact and sensitivity, particularly to barriers in understanding, e.g. language difficulties, stress, fear, pain. To be the first point of contact for complaints within the department, negotiating with patients / visitors displaying challenging behaviour. Liaising with senior department staff to provide an effective and timely solution in line with trust policy. To liaise with all service users (NHS staff, Doctors, Patients, Relatives and Carers etc), politely, concisely and in a helpful and professional manner at all times. To provide non-clinical advice / information regarding appointments or procedures to patients, visitors and other members of hospital staff, as required.