South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Receptionist

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you a flexible, reliable team player with excellent communication skills?

We are looking for a part-time (22.5 hours per week) fixed-term Receptionist to support the general outpatient Reception team primarily based in Palmer Community Hospital, but some cross-site working may be required.

South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is a highly-rated organisation and an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Receptionist to join our friendly team. You should be a good communicator, organised and able to work under pressure.

As Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for our patients, responsible for providing a high-quality reception service and care to patients attending the Outpatient departments, registering attendances and updating patient demographic details in the patient administration system. You will be a point of contact for queries from patients, relatives and other professionals and will be a key part of the Team, driving forward service improvement and patient-focused care.

Experience of working in an NHS environment would be desirable.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Michael Forrest, Outpatients Manager, M.Forrest@nhs.net

Please note the Trust are not able to offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants are requested to consider this when making their application. Please visitGov.UKfor further information

Main duties of the job

As Receptionist, you will be responsible providing a high-quality reception service and care to patients attending the Outpatient departments across the Trust, registering attendances and updating patient demographic details in the patient administration system. Key skills and attributes include:

Communication: Show a caring and professional approach towards patients and visitors when carrying out reception and appointment duties. Escalate patient queries, capacity problems and general issues to the Line Manager or relevant clinical staff as appropriate.

Patient Care: Treat patients with care and respect. Display resilience to deal with sometimes distressed patients and relatives in an empathetic manner.

Organising and Planning: Carry-out associated clerical duties, for example maintaining accurate filing systems, receiving post, diary management and scanning patient notes if required. Keep waiting areas tidy and patient information materials up-to-date. Assist in training of new members of the Team as needed.

About us

Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for STSFT. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via the Trust's Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,600 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area, in some cases to a population as great as 860,000. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated.

Date posted

29 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year (pro-rata) 25/26 pay award pending

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9155-CSAC-0525-41

Job locations

Trust Headquarters

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Sunderland

SR4 7TP

South Tyneside Nhs Foundation Trust

Harton Lane

South Shields

Tyne And Wear

NE34 0PL

Palmer Community Hospital

Wear Street

Jarrow

Tyne And Wear

NE32 3UX

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide a high-quality reception service and care to patients attending the Outpatient departments. To be responsible for registering attendances and updating patient demographic details in the patient administration system. To comply with the Trust's vision, values and behavioural compact.

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Job description

Job responsibilities

PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.

Person Specification

Physical Skills

Essential

Basic keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential

Proven prior customer services experience.

Desirable

Proven prior experience of working in the NHS.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Ability to prioritise tasks.
Ability to communicate in an understandable way to patients and colleagues, adapting communication style to meet the needs of the recipient.
Ability to communicate messages and instructions accurately to colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
Basic skills of empathy and reassurance.
Basic keyboard skills.
Ability to use basic email system and document clearly, using plain English.
Basic understanding of health and safety requirements in a patient environment.
General understanding of confidentiality requirements in a healthcare setting.
Willing to undertake further training related to role.

Qualifications

Essential

Maths and English at Level 2 or above (GCSE A C/4 or equivalent).
NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent in any subject, or equivalent experience.

Other

Desirable

Please provide a contact telephone number.

Person Specification

Physical Skills

Essential

Basic keyboard skills.

Experience

Essential

Proven prior customer services experience.

Desirable

Proven prior experience of working in the NHS.

Skills & Knowledge

Essential

Ability to prioritise tasks.
Ability to communicate in an understandable way to patients and colleagues, adapting communication style to meet the needs of the recipient.
Ability to communicate messages and instructions accurately to colleagues, both verbally and in writing.
Basic skills of empathy and reassurance.
Basic keyboard skills.
Ability to use basic email system and document clearly, using plain English.
Basic understanding of health and safety requirements in a patient environment.
General understanding of confidentiality requirements in a healthcare setting.
Willing to undertake further training related to role.