Combs Ford Surgery

Care Navigator - Maternity Cover

The closing date is 27 April 2026

Job summary

We are looking for a friendly, organised, and proactive Care Navigator to join our busy and supportive general practice team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

This is an important patient-facing role, where you will be the first point of contact for many of our patients, helping them access the most appropriate healthcare professional or service while ensuring the smooth running of reception and administrative services.

If you enjoy helping people, working in a fast-paced environment, and being part of a caring healthcare team, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As a Care Navigator, you will help guide patients to the right healthcare professional or service, ensuring they receive the support they need in a timely and efficient way.

You will provide reception and administrative support, facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals, and help maintain a welcoming and organised practice environment.

About us

Suffolk Primary Care (SPC) is a forward-thinking partnership of GP surgeries across Suffolk. Our collaborative approach enables doctors and staff to share resources, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Benefits of Working with SPC

NHS Pension Scheme:

  • Defined benefits scheme
  • Life insurance
  • Family benefits, including adult dependents & children's pensions
  • Ill health benefits
  • 23.7% employer contribution

Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme:

  • Low monthly payments, no deposit, no credit check
  • Fully comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres & breakdown cover
  • Up to £2,000 annual SPC contribution (subject to conditions)

Flexible Working Arrangements:

GP remote working options to accommodate personal commitments

Additional Benefits:

  • Eye care vouchers
  • Health service discounts, including a complimentary Blue Light Card for new starters
  • Minimum 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) for full-time employees, with enhancements for long service
  • Enhanced maternity & paternity terms
  • High street discounts via our online portal
  • Salary sacrifice schemes for technology, homewares (Currys, John Lewis, Decathlon), cycling, and gym memberships

At SPC, we invest in our staffs professional growth and well-being, fostering a positive work environment that benefits both our team and the communities we serve.

Details

Date posted

07 April 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Dependant on Experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

8 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A5832-CNMC

Job locations

Combs Lane

Combs Ford

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 2SY


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will:

Welcome patients and visitors in a professional and friendly manner Assist patients in accessing the most appropriate healthcare professional or service Respond to patient enquiries at reception and over the telephone Record and pass on accurate messages to clinicians and staff Support patients with self-check-in systems and appointment booking

Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals Handle patient concerns or complaints in line with practice protocols Arrange interpreters where required Record requests for GP home visits and ensure accurate information is passed to clinicians

Scan, file and distribute patient documents promptly Maintain and update patient records on the clinical system Process new patient registrations and record amendments Prepare repeat and acute prescriptions for GP signature Send recall letters for chronic disease clinics Issue DNA (Did Not Attend) letters

Process incoming and outgoing mail Maintain tidy waiting areas and ensure patient information leaflets are stocked Assist clinicians with typing letters, reports and referrals Photocopy, scan and complete other administrative tasks as required Accept payments for private services and issue receipts where necessary

Provide administrative support to clinicians and the wider practice team Cover reception duties during breaks or staff absence Attend staff meetings and participate in annual appraisal Work flexibly when required, including across practice sites if necessary

Act as a chaperone when required during clinical consultations Support start and end of day procedures to ensure the practice is ready for patients Carry out routine administrative and system tasks

About You:

We are looking for someone who:

Has excellent communication and customer service skills Is organised, accurate and able to multitask Is confident using computer systems and administrative software Works well both independently and as part of a team Remains calm and professional in a busy environment

Experience in GP practice, healthcare reception or administration would be advantageous, but training will be provided.

Work Pattern:

Monday: 8.30am 1pm

Wednesday: 8.00am 6pm

Thursday: 1pm 6pm

Friday: 8.30am 1.30pm

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will:

Welcome patients and visitors in a professional and friendly manner Assist patients in accessing the most appropriate healthcare professional or service Respond to patient enquiries at reception and over the telephone Record and pass on accurate messages to clinicians and staff Support patients with self-check-in systems and appointment booking

Facilitate communication between patients and healthcare professionals Handle patient concerns or complaints in line with practice protocols Arrange interpreters where required Record requests for GP home visits and ensure accurate information is passed to clinicians

Scan, file and distribute patient documents promptly Maintain and update patient records on the clinical system Process new patient registrations and record amendments Prepare repeat and acute prescriptions for GP signature Send recall letters for chronic disease clinics Issue DNA (Did Not Attend) letters

Process incoming and outgoing mail Maintain tidy waiting areas and ensure patient information leaflets are stocked Assist clinicians with typing letters, reports and referrals Photocopy, scan and complete other administrative tasks as required Accept payments for private services and issue receipts where necessary

Provide administrative support to clinicians and the wider practice team Cover reception duties during breaks or staff absence Attend staff meetings and participate in annual appraisal Work flexibly when required, including across practice sites if necessary

Act as a chaperone when required during clinical consultations Support start and end of day procedures to ensure the practice is ready for patients Carry out routine administrative and system tasks

About You:

We are looking for someone who:

Has excellent communication and customer service skills Is organised, accurate and able to multitask Is confident using computer systems and administrative software Works well both independently and as part of a team Remains calm and professional in a busy environment

Experience in GP practice, healthcare reception or administration would be advantageous, but training will be provided.

Work Pattern:

Monday: 8.30am 1pm

Wednesday: 8.00am 6pm

Thursday: 1pm 6pm

Friday: 8.30am 1.30pm

Person Specification

Experience

Desirable

  • Experience in GP practice, healthcare reception or administration would be advantageous, but training will be provided.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Has excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Is organised, accurate and able to multitask
  • Is confident using computer systems and administrative software
  • Works well both independently and as part of a team
  • Remains calm and professional in a busy environment
Person Specification

Experience

Desirable

  • Experience in GP practice, healthcare reception or administration would be advantageous, but training will be provided.

Skills and Personal Attributes

Essential

  • Has excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Is organised, accurate and able to multitask
  • Is confident using computer systems and administrative software
  • Works well both independently and as part of a team
  • Remains calm and professional in a busy environment

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Combs Ford Surgery

Address

Combs Lane

Combs Ford

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 2SY


Employer's website

https://suffolkprimarycare.uk/combs-ford-surgery/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Combs Ford Surgery

Address

Combs Lane

Combs Ford

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 2SY


Employer's website

https://suffolkprimarycare.uk/combs-ford-surgery/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Operations Manager

Katie Goode

katie.goode2@nhs.net

01449778213

Details

Date posted

07 April 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience Dependant on Experience

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

8 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

A5832-CNMC

Job locations

Combs Lane

Combs Ford

Stowmarket

Suffolk

IP14 2SY


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