Job summary
Are you passionate about providing outstanding customer service and making a difference in people's lives? We have an exciting opportunity for a front-of-house role where you'll work closely with our clinical colleagues to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.
As a Ward Receptionist, you will be the first point of contact for patients, families, and staff entering the Children's Unit. Your role is vital in ensuring a welcoming, organised, and efficient environment that supports high-quality patient care. You'll manage admissions, discharges, appointments, and general administrative duties while maintaining a professional and compassionate approach.
This is more than just a receptionist role - it's a chance to be part of a compassionate and dedicated team making a real difference in children's lives. You'll be supported with training and development opportunities and work in a dynamic environment where your contribution is truly valued.
Main duties of the job
Provide reception cover across the Children's Unit including Oak, Acorn, and PAU.
Admit, discharge, and transfer patients using Maxims.
Answer telephone enquiries and manage email correspondence.
Organise patient transport and appointments.
Maintain a tidy and well-stocked reception area.
Order and manage stationery and office supplies.
Support clinical staff with administrative tasks including scanning, printing, and document handling.
Ensure confidentiality and data protection compliance.
Act as a positive role model and support new staff inductions.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication & Relationships
- Communicate professionally with patients, families, and staff via phone, email, and face-to-face.
- Use tact and empathy when exchanging sensitive information.
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
Planning & Organisation
- Prioritise workload to meet Trust targets.
- Request and manage patient notes for admissions.
- Facilitate safe and efficient patient flow through the unit.
Patient Care Responsibilities
- Monitor access to the unit via intercom and validate visitors.
- Support patients and families during their stay with professionalism and kindness.
- Adapt to changing needs of the service.
Administrative & Information Management
- Maintain accurate bed state and patient records.
- Prepare documents for theatre and ward rounds.
- Conduct quarterly notes audits and manage Outlook requests.
Teamwork & Leadership
- Collaborate with ward staff and contribute to team meetings.
- Uphold Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
- Support the induction of new team members.
Additional Responsibilities
- Cover other areas of the unit during staff absence.
- Deliver items to Pharmacy and Pathology as needed.
- Operate office equipment including photocopiers and printers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Communication & Relationships
- Communicate professionally with patients, families, and staff via phone, email, and face-to-face.
- Use tact and empathy when exchanging sensitive information.
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
Planning & Organisation
- Prioritise workload to meet Trust targets.
- Request and manage patient notes for admissions.
- Facilitate safe and efficient patient flow through the unit.
Patient Care Responsibilities
- Monitor access to the unit via intercom and validate visitors.
- Support patients and families during their stay with professionalism and kindness.
- Adapt to changing needs of the service.
Administrative & Information Management
- Maintain accurate bed state and patient records.
- Prepare documents for theatre and ward rounds.
- Conduct quarterly notes audits and manage Outlook requests.
Teamwork & Leadership
- Collaborate with ward staff and contribute to team meetings.
- Uphold Trust values: Kindness, Respect, and Teamwork.
- Support the induction of new team members.
Additional Responsibilities
- Cover other areas of the unit during staff absence.
- Deliver items to Pharmacy and Pathology as needed.
- Operate office equipment including photocopiers and printers.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education.Must be able to communicate in English both written and verbally.
Desirable
- ECDL or equivalent is desirable.
Experience
Desirable
- Previous NHS receptionist experience desirable but full training will be given.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Basic keyboard skills.Good communication skills on the telephone, via email, face to face and written correspondence.
Desirable
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word desirable but training can be given.Basic knowledge of NHS Legislation to include Health & Safety, Infection Control, Manual Handling and Confidentiality and Data Protection Act.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good standard of general education.Must be able to communicate in English both written and verbally.
Desirable
- ECDL or equivalent is desirable.
Experience
Desirable
- Previous NHS receptionist experience desirable but full training will be given.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Basic keyboard skills.Good communication skills on the telephone, via email, face to face and written correspondence.
Desirable
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word desirable but training can be given.Basic knowledge of NHS Legislation to include Health & Safety, Infection Control, Manual Handling and Confidentiality and Data Protection Act.
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.
