Job Description

Position: Clinical Hub Front-of-House (Part-Time)Location: Edinburgh & Lothian (Multiple Sites)

NHS Scotland is recruiting for Part-Time Receptionists to join their administrative teams across Edinburgh. This is a critical role serving as the first point of contact for patients, families, and clinical staff. Whether based in a busy hospital A&E department (like St John’s or the Royal Infirmary) or a local GP Practice, you will be the “face” of the service, ensuring a calm and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Liaison: Greeting patients, signing them in, and directing them to appropriate clinical areas.
Communication: Managing a high volume of telephone enquiries and booking appointments via digital systems (e.g., EMIS or Vision).
Administration: Maintenance and filing of confidential patient records and processing prescription requests.
Coordination: Liaising with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and specialists to ensure smooth patient flow.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	NHS Scotland (NHS Lothian)
Locations	Edinburgh City, Leith, Newbridge, and West Lothian
Locality	Edinburgh & Lothian
Country	United Kingdom
Job Type	Part-time, Permanent
Salaries	Band 2 (£25,694 – £27,900 FTE)
Experience Level	Entry Level / Intermediate
Hours	Ranges from 10 to 20+ hours per week
Closing Date	Varies (e.g., Feb 17, 2026 for A&E roles)

Skills & Competency Table

Skill	Competency Level
Communication	Excellent (Verbal & Written)
IT Literacy	Proficient (MS Office, Outlook)
Multitasking	Advanced (High-pressure)
Confidentiality	Expert (GDPR & Patient Data)
Empathy	High (Dealing with patients)
Teamwork	Essential

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Band 2 Salary (Min)	Weekly Hours	Pro-Rata Salary (Est.)	Hourly Rate
£25,694	14.75	£10,519	~£13.70
£25,694	20	£14,274	~£13.70

Crucial Update: As of April 1, 2026, the standard NHS full-time week reduces from 37 to 36 hours. Part-time hours will reduce pro-rata, but the hourly rate will increase so your take-home pay remains protected.

Job Summary

These roles offer a stable entry into the healthcare sector with competitive “Agenda for Change” benefits. Most positions are Band 2 and involve a mix of front-desk and back-office admin. It’s a perfect fit for someone who is highly organized, empathetic, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

FAQs

Do I need a medical background? No. While experience in a GP surgery is desirable, NHS Scotland provides full training for those with strong customer service and IT skills.

What are the shift patterns? They vary significantly. Some roles are set (e.g., 5 afternoons a week), while A&E roles may require a rotational pattern including weekends or evenings.

What is “Band 2”? This is the NHS pay scale for administrative and support staff. It includes annual increments and is part of the “Agenda for Change” national pay agreement.

How do I apply? Applications must be submitted via the NHS Scotland Recruitment portal (Jobtrain). They do not accept late applications, and vacancies often close early if they receive too many applicants.

Are there background checks? Yes. Due to the proximity to patients, these roles typically require a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Expert Analysis

The NHS is currently moving toward more “Care Navigator” models in reception, meaning you’ll be trained to help patients find the right service (like pharmacy or physio) rather than just booking a GP. At ~£13.70/hour, this is one of the highest-paying entry-level receptionist roles in Edinburgh compared to private retail or hospitality.

Location & Logistics Guide

Edinburgh has multiple “hubs.” The Royal Infirmary (Little France) and Western General are the main hospital sites, but many vacancies are in smaller community health centres. If your role is at a hospital, parking can be difficult; however, hospital sites are excellent bus hubs for Lothian Buses.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh

Career Path

A receptionist role is the standard stepping stone into Health Records Management, Medical Secretary roles (Band 3/4), or Service Management. The NHS also provides extensive internal training, meaning you could eventually transition into clinical support roles or specialized administrative leadership.

To apply for this job please visit uk.expertini.com.