Medical Secretary / Receptionist Join a Leading Healthcare Team in Derby
Carer Agency is recruiting for an experienced and organised Medical Secretary / Receptionist for a prestigious temporary-to-permanent placement in the Derby DE24 area. Enjoy competitive weekly pay, a supportive environment, and a role that is critical to patient care. This position is available for an immediate start.
Derby DE24
Local healthcare facilities & clinics. Easy transport links.
ASAP / Immediate
Interviewing now. Can start within days.
£Competitive +
Weekly pay. Rate based on experience & qualifications.
Temp-to-Perm
Initial temporary placement with view to a permanent role.
Job Description & Role Overview
As a Medical Secretary / Receptionist placed through Carer Agency in Derby DE24, you will be the first point of contact and the administrative backbone of a busy healthcare setting. This is far more than a standard reception role; it is a position integral to the smooth operation of patient services, requiring discretion, empathy, and impeccable organisational skills.
Our client, a well-respected medical practice in the area, is seeking a professional who can manage a wide range of secretarial and administrative duties while providing a warm, reassuring presence for patients. By applying through Carer Agency, you gain the advantage of our local market expertise and supportive relationship. We handle the complexities of payroll and compliance, allowing you to focus on excelling in your role. Much like the specialised support we provide for finding CSCS Labourer jobs in Leicester or Temporary Construction Workers in Norwich, we connect skilled individuals with the roles that suit them best.
The Impact You'll Make
Your work ensures clinicians can focus on care, patients feel supported from their first call, and the practice runs with professional efficiency. You will handle sensitive information, manage complex diaries, and be a crucial part of the healthcare delivery team.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties
Front-of-House & Patient Liaison
Greeting patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals in a courteous and professional manner. Managing check-in/check-out processes, handling enquiries in person and via telephone, and providing clear directions and information.
Appointment & Diary Management
Efficiently scheduling, rescheduling, and cancelling patient appointments using the practice's clinical software system. Coordinating complex consultant diaries, arranging meetings, and managing room bookings to optimise clinic flow.
Medical Correspondence & Documentation
Transcribing clinic letters and medical reports from digital dictation. Preparing and sending confidential correspondence to GPs, hospitals, and patients. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records in compliance with GDPR and Caldicott principles.
Administrative Support & Workflow
Processing referrals, filing (both electronic and paper-based), and managing stationery and office supplies. Handling routine administrative tasks to support the clinical team, allowing Nurses (Registered / RGN / RMN) and doctors to maximise patient-facing time.
Billing & Data Management
Assisting with simple invoicing processes and private patient billing. Inputting and validating data, generating routine reports, and ensuring all administrative processes contribute to the practice's efficient operation and financial health.
Team Collaboration
Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, Nursing Assistants, and practice managers, to ensure seamless patient care. This collaborative environment is similar to the integrated teams we support through our Healthcare Workforce Solutions.
Candidate Requirements & What We're Looking For
- Proven Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years in a medical secretary, healthcare administrator, or medical receptionist role within the UK. Experience in a GP surgery, private hospital, or clinic is highly desirable.
- Software Proficiency: Confident user of medical practice software (e.g., SystmOne, EMIS, Rio) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology: A solid understanding of common medical abbreviations, procedures, and documentation standards is essential for accurate transcription and communication.
Salary, Benefits & Why This Role Stands Out
Remuneration & Package
Hourly / Annual Salary
Based on your experience, qualifications, and the specific requirements of the practice. We advocate for fair market rates.
Reliable & Consistent
You will be paid accurately and on time every week through Carer Agency's streamlined payroll system.
Accrued Entitlement
Your statutory holiday pay is accrued as you work, ensuring you are compensated for your time off.
Additional Perks & Career Benefits
- Temp-to-Perm Pathway
- Supportive Work Environment
- Valuable NHS/Healthcare Experience
- Central Derby DE24 Location
This role offers more than just a salary; it offers a career foothold in a stable and rewarding sector. The experience gained is highly transferable and can lead to more senior administrative roles or specialisms within medical secretarial work. For those interested in broader opportunities, the skills are also valued in related fields like medical recruitment, which you can explore through our Recruitment Jobs in London page.
How to Apply & The Process
Submit Your CV
Email your up-to-date CV and a brief covering note to us. Ensure it highlights your relevant Medical Secretary / Receptionist experience.
Screening Call
A friendly consultant from Carer Agency will call you to discuss your experience, the role in Derby DE24, and answer your questions.
Interview & Start
If suitable, we'll arrange an interview with the client. Upon success, we'll handle your registration and you can start your new role swiftly.
Ready to Apply? Here's What You Need
To expedite your application, please ensure you have the following ready: An updated CV detailing all relevant experience, proof of your right to work in the UK, and contact details for two professional references.
Please quote reference: MS-DERBY-24 in your email subject line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Carer Agency?
We are your local partner for healthcare recruitment in Derby DE24. We understand the unique demands of medical settings and match professionals like you with roles where you can thrive.
- Expert in Derby healthcare recruitment
- Fast, compliant registration & weekly pay
- Dedicated consultant for ongoing support
Insight: The Future of Flexible Healthcare Staffing
Watch our latest guide on how modern staffing solutions are shaping careers in healthcare and beyond.
The Future of Work: Why Flexible Staffing Is Here to Stay in 2026
This video complements our strategic approach, similar to insights shared in Optimize Hiring For 2026.
Other Urgent Roles in Derby
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Healthcare AssistantDerby DE3 £12-14 p/h
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Practice AdministratorDerby City Centre £24k+
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Medical TypistDerby DE1 £11-13 p/h
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Clinic ReceptionistDerby DE24 Immediate Start
Get in Touch
Have a question about this Medical Secretary / Receptionist role? Contact the Carer Agency team today.
Carer Agency, serving Derby DE24 and the wider East Midlands. An equal-opportunities employer & recruitment agency.
Your Next Career Move Starts Here
Don't miss this opportunity to join a dynamic healthcare team in Derby DE24 as a Medical Secretary / Receptionist. Apply now for an immediate start and take control of your career with the support of a leading local agency.
Final Reminder: If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
The Working Environment & Team Culture
Stepping into this Medical Secretary / Receptionist role means joining a cohesive, multidisciplinary team dedicated to patient-centred care. The practice in Derby DE24 prides itself on a supportive culture where every team member's contribution is valued. You will work alongside dedicated GPs, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, and management staff in a modern, well-equipped clinical environment designed for both efficiency and patient comfort.
A Day in the Life: Morning Clinic
Your day typically begins by preparing for the morning clinic. This involves checking the appointment system for any last-minute changes, preparing patient notes for the clinicians, and ensuring consultation rooms are stocked. As patients arrive, you manage the flow, dealing with urgent queries, processing registrations for new patients, and handling prescription requests—all while maintaining a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the waiting area.
This requires seamless coordination, similar to the logistical precision needed in other sectors we serve, such as coordinating Logistics Coordinator jobs in Leeds.
Technology & Systems Integration
The practice utilises a fully integrated digital system. You'll be at the heart of this, not just inputting data but understanding how information flows between appointments, coding, referrals, and billing. Training on specific modules will be provided, but your ability to navigate digital workflows is key. This tech-savviness is as crucial here as it is for candidates we place in IT Support Analyst roles.
Career Progression & Long-Term Pathways
This temp-to-permanent role is not just a job; it's a strategic career step. Excelling in this position opens several doors within the healthcare administration sector, both within the specific practice and across the wider NHS and private healthcare network in Derby and the East Midlands.
| Potential Role | Typical Timeline | Skills & Experience Built |
|---|---|---|
|
Senior Medical Secretary
|
12-18 months | Overseeing a small admin team, managing complex consultant portfolios, handling more sensitive correspondence, and training new staff. |
|
Practice Manager
|
3-5+ years | Developing strategic operational knowledge, HR, finance, compliance, and overall practice governance. This role leverages deep administrative insight into leadership. |
|
Clinical Coder/Auditor
|
18-24 months | Specialising in the accurate coding of patient diagnoses and procedures using systems like Read Codes or SNOMED CT, a vital role for NHS reporting and funding. |
|
Healthcare Recruitment Consultant
|
2-3+ years | Using your insider knowledge of healthcare settings to match candidates with roles, similar to the work we do at Carer Agency. Your practical experience becomes your greatest asset. |
Carer Agency is committed to supporting your growth. We offer career advice and can highlight internal upskilling opportunities, much like we guide candidates in fields from PMO jobs in Birmingham to healthcare leadership.
Navigating Common Challenges: A Proactive Approach
To truly excel as a Medical Secretary / Receptionist, understanding potential challenges and proven strategies to overcome them is invaluable. This foresight demonstrates the proactive mindset our client values.
Challenge: Managing Distressed Patients
Healthcare settings can be stressful for patients and families. You may be the first point of contact for someone receiving difficult news, in pain, or frustrated by waiting times.
Effective Strategies:
- Active Listening & Empathy: Acknowledge their feelings:"I can see this is very upsetting for you, I'm here to help."
- Clear, Calm Communication: Explain processes honestly without jargon. If there's a delay, provide a realistic timeframe and the reason.
- Escalation Protocols: Know when and how to discreetly alert a nurse or practice manager for immediate support.
These de-escalation skills are transferable and valued in many client-facing roles, including those in Customer Success.
Challenge: Data Security & Confidentiality
Handling sensitive patient data is a daily responsibility with zero margin for error. Breaches can have serious legal and professional consequences.
Best Practices You'll Employ:
- Clean Desk Policy: Ensuring no patient-identifiable information is left on screens or desks unattended.
- Secure Communication: Using only approved, encrypted channels (like NHSmail) for electronic correspondence.
- Vigilant Verification: Always confirming the identity of a caller before disclosing any information, following strict practice protocols.
This rigorous approach to data integrity is akin to the standards required in Data Protection roles across industries.