Job summary

We are recruiting an Apprentice Receptionist to join our Community Diagnostic Centre team at James Paget University Hospital and Northgate Hospital.

Are you friendly, organised and compassionate, with a passion for helping others? This is an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience while supporting patients within a busy healthcare environment.

The successful candidate will be required to provide cross-site cover across all reception areas, including the Community Diagnostic Centres at James Paget, Northgate and Oulton Suite, as well as the main James Paget University Hospital. This flexibility helps ensure a high-quality and seamless service for patients across all sites.

Apprenticeship eligibility requirements:

• Aged 16 or over.
• Not enrolled on another apprenticeship or DfE-funded further/higher education programme.
• Spend at least 50% of working hours in England throughout the apprenticeship.
• Have the right to work in England.
• Be an EEA citizen or have the right of abode in the UK and meet residency requirements.
• Alternatively, be a non-EEA citizen with permission to live in the UK (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years before the start of learning.

This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to develop administration and customer service skills, gain recognised qualifications and contribute to outstanding patient care while building a rewarding career within the NHS.

Main duties of the job

The CDC's will operate 7 days a week, and the post holder must be prepared to work on a rota that includes weekends.

Greet and assist patients, visitors, and staff with a warm and professional demeanour.

Manage appointment bookings, cancellations, and rescheduling with accuracy on the Trust PAS system.

Answer telephone calls and respond to inquiries promptly and courteously.

Maintain patient records and ensure confidentiality at all times.

Assist with administrative tasks and support the clinical team as needed.

Details

• Date posted: 02 November 2026
• Closing date: 11 November 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £15,600 a year per annum
• Contract: Apprenticeship
• Duration: 12 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 177-EMER- 8370137
• Job locations: James Paget Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, NR31 6LA, United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. To provide the first point of contact for patients, relatives and carers arriving for an outpatient appointment or admission, presenting a professional, calm and confident manner in line with the Trusts Values and Behaviours.

2. To provide a full reception service to the outpatient clinic including, but not limited to:

• Maintaining accurate information and patient demographics within Trust PAS system.
• Supporting clinical staff in ensuring the Trust meets accessible information standards for patients with communication difficulties.
• Ensuring patients arrival and departure times are electronically captured.
• Distribution, collation, and inputting of clinic outcomes.
• Book future appointments and recording of non-attendances.

3. To update and process all relevant documentation using both manual and computerised systems, as necessary.

4. To answer the telephone and deal with all enquiries to the service in a professional, efficient, and empathetic manner. To take accurate messages, record details and pass onto the appropriate team/individual as required.

5. To liaise with consultants, secretaries and other support services to ensure that patient enquiries and appointments are dealt with appropriately and efficiently.

6. To ensure work is prioritised and completed in a timely manner.

7. To provide receptionist cover across the clinic or ward as directed, complying with local working processes in order to meet service needs across the relevant department.

8. To fully participate as a member of the outpatient team and demonstrate effective communication with colleagues.

9. To communicate all information and messages to patients in a professional and sensitive manner.

10. Photocopying, filing, audio transcription from dictation and record keeping as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, or willingness to work towards these as part of the apprenticeship

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Teams.
• Ability to provide a friendly and professional service to patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn new systems and processes
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Desirable

• Previous customer service experience (paid, voluntary, school, or college)
• Experience of working with members of the public.
• Understanding of the NHS and the role of Community Diagnostic Centres.
• Experience using appointment booking systems or administrative systems.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Reliable and punctual.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Positive attitude and commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrates compassion and empathy when dealing with patients.
• Professional and courteous manner.

Other Requirements

Essential

• Ability to travel to the Community Diagnostic Centre and attend apprenticeship training as required.
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.

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.

About us

We want to attract the best and brightest people to work with us and that means we will look after you from the moment you apply for a role at the Trust and throughout your career with us. Our staff are central to everything we do, and we believe that investing in you is crucial if we want to enable you to reach your full potential.

Our Community Diagnostic Centres are at the forefront of delivering high-quality diagnostic services to the local community. We are committed to providing a welcoming and efficient environment for all patients, carers and visitors. As a part of our team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Employer details

• Employer name: James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Address: James Paget Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, NR31 6LA, United Kingdom
• Employer's website: https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/work-for-us/