We have 9 receptionists, 3 secretaries, 6 admin office staff, 8 nurses, 3 nursing assistants and a wonderful man who supports the admin team with copying, is very handy with a screwdriver and makes tea! Some of the team have combined roles.
The reception team answers the phone and greets you when you walk through the door. They have the impossible task of making everyone the appointment they need or want, as soon as they want it, without overloading the doctors and nurses, and still managing a smile! The partners and managers determine the amount of appointments available, but reception then have to translate that information into one appointment that best suits each individual patient's needs. This isn't easy! A 'quart into a pint pot' is an everyday challenge for a skilled receptionist. They also book patient transport, arrange clinics, maintain the paper records, tidy rooms and make tea!
The secretaries write 3000 letters a year referring patients to hospital and make innumerable phone calls in trying to speed up those referrals. Another 1000 or more letters go to patients offering clinic and review appointments.
The admin staff feed and maintain the computer system and respond to the Government's on-going requests for information. They use the computer to find out who needs to come to clinic or who hasn't had the check up they need. They write/print all repeat prescriptions, scan letters into patient records, summarise medical records as they arrive and process insurance reports. They also pay all the bills, chase outstanding invoices and ensure we have all the drugs, dressings and other materials that everyone needs to do a first-class job. |