Certificate in Health Service Administration

The distance learning pack describes the evolution of the National Health Service and Primary Care. The key role of the receptionist in a Primary Care Team is explored. All aspects of the work are described. Contact with the patient is described including face-to-face, telephone and written. Patient rights, health and safety, confidentiality and information governance are given prominence. The evolving NHS is explored both in the pack and at one of the study days. Targets ands guidelines for Primary Care are explained.

All students must be registered with AMSPAR.

• Understand the structure of the NHS and people's roles within it
• Be aware of patients' rights to treatment and confidentiality
• Contribute to the maintenance of Health & Safety in the workplace
• Use a variety of methods to communicate with patients and colleagues
• Make good use of practice record keeping
• Reflect on and evaluate own level of competence.

• Understanding Primary Care
• The Role of the Receptionist
• Looking after the patient
• Health & Safety
• Development of the Receptionist

There is no formal assessment, but students must submit a 2,500 word work-based assignment within six months of completing the course.