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Doctor’s Receptionists

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By *yron69 OP   Man
over a year ago

Fareham

Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I Think There is a good number who are brilliant at there job. But in every walk of life you get the minority. So sod's law when you ring up. You will get the minority on the other end. Who knows more than the doctor who's been to uni and practicing for go knows how long.

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By *uke olovingmanMan
over a year ago

Gravesend

Should they require the intimate reason for the appointment...or should they just make them without further enquiries?

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?"

The ones at my local surgery are superb.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They need to know the reason for the appointment so they can distribute appointments appropriately through the resources available.

Some patients only need to see the nurse, for example.

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By *rixieMeWoman
over a year ago

Farfarfar away

There’s a particular one at my surgery who always sounds like you’re disturbing her day. She may just have an unfortunate manner and be excellent at her job but I always dread getting through to her.

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By *otSoPoshWoman
over a year ago

In a ball gown because that's how we roll in N. Devon

The receptionists at the surgery here are brilliant. They're efficient, caring and ask for the reason for the appointment but don't push if you'd rather not say.

They've even mostly got used to the fact that I have no shame and will happily tell them whatever reason it is.

Being a small town everyone knows everyone's business anyway lol

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd like to see them getting grilled on the nature of the emergency if they need a service like the Fire Brigade, to then be told to call on Monday morning to arrange a telephone consultation

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Ours don't seem to care or at least sound the slightest bit empathetic. The praise I can give them though is same day appointments because they just sent you to the hospital (so you have more chance of being able to see all the health professions if required).

Most of my Drs trips are for one condition only so I either try and get a telephone consult with the specialist or drive the 4 hours to see him.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The ones at my local surgery are fine. But the dinner ladies at my school are proper scary!

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By *innie The MinxWoman
over a year ago

Under the Duvet

There is one professional one and one dippy one at my surgery.

My heart sinks if I get through to the crap one.

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames

They have a difficult job to do at the best of times, much more so at the moment. I can’t believe some of the comments I am reading here. Like I said, the ones at our local surgery are superb.

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By *es-sMan
over a year ago

Rugby


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation."
ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance. "

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

At my old surgery they were fantastic. At my new one they're a bit less so. When I moved they gave me the form to fill in and I didn't know my NHS number so the receptionist refused to accept the form - apparently there was no way they could get it from my old surgery who would (apparently) refuse to release such info, or indeed any info without it. I rang my old surgery stood there in front of the new receptionist. As always they were helpful, professional and friendly, cross checked my DOB and address and cheerfully read me my number which I duly wrote on the form. The new receptionist stared at me stony faced the whole time. It wasn't the best first impression I'll be honest.

Mr

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By *ily WhiteWoman
over a year ago

?

They are great at the surgery that I'm currently registered with.

Wasn't the case at a previous surgery, there was one who would always ask what you were there for, and then repeat it back loudly so the whole waiting room could hear. Every time I'd refuse and we'd have a back and forth until she realised I wasn't going to back down. But one day she refused to sign me in as present for my appointment until I told her. Ten minutes later, with me having asked for the Practice Manager to be called, she was still refusing to sign me in, the manager had to do it while she sat glaring at me. Every time I went after that I used to tell her that I had a really bad case of noseyreceptionistitis

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By *urulovesnylonMan
over a year ago

Harrow

My GP’s receptionist is a lively lady, older than me quiet chatty and has a very sexy look to her.

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By *rs mischiefWoman
over a year ago

Manchester


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?"

A law unto themselves!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"They are great at the surgery that I'm currently registered with.

Wasn't the case at a previous surgery, there was one who would always ask what you were there for, and then repeat it back loudly so the whole waiting room could hear. Every time I'd refuse and we'd have a back and forth until she realised I wasn't going to back down. But one day she refused to sign me in as present for my appointment until I told her. Ten minutes later, with me having asked for the Practice Manager to be called, she was still refusing to sign me in, the manager had to do it while she sat glaring at me. Every time I went after that I used to tell her that I had a really bad case of noseyreceptionistitis "

Brilliant! I’m stealing that one

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots. "

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?

A law unto themselves!"

Probably just doing what the practice managers asked them to do.

If they just put everyone straight through to the doctor they would probably get a bollocking from their bosses

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists "

Except for the fact that they are not medically trained and shouldn’t be triaging patients on the Drs behalf. Even the nurses where I work are not allowed to clinically triage!

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By *uriousscouserWoman
over a year ago

Wirral

At my surgery there are three receptionists. Two are brilliant, the third is a menace.

I understand that a big part of their job is gatekeeping - stopping the GPs' time being wasted, and I also understand that they don't know who genuinely only phones when they are in need of medical help and who phones because they want a chat and some advice they could easily get from the local pharmacy.

I'm happy to answer questions and I'm not precious about discussing medical needs with them if it helps them route my issue to the most appropriate person.

On the rare occasion I do need to phone my heart always sinks when the menace answers the phone though, because I know full well I'm not going to get anywhere and will have to call back and hope one of the other two answers the next call.

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists

Except for the fact that they are not medically trained and shouldn’t be triaging patients on the Drs behalf. Even the nurses where I work are not allowed to clinically triage! "

I suggest that you take it up with the practice managers

If the practice managers are not aware that the receptionists are screening, then they will be glad to hear about it.

If they have instructed them to do so, and you disagree with the practice, then you am discuss it with them. If you are still unhappy with the practice, then move to another surgery.

Bit in the meantime, I don’t see much point in getting so annoyed with the receptionists and blaming them for the situation

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists

Except for the fact that they are not medically trained and shouldn’t be triaging patients on the Drs behalf. Even the nurses where I work are not allowed to clinically triage!

I suggest that you take it up with the practice managers

If the practice managers are not aware that the receptionists are screening, then they will be glad to hear about it.

If they have instructed them to do so, and you disagree with the practice, then you am discuss it with them. If you are still unhappy with the practice, then move to another surgery.

Bit in the meantime, I don’t see much point in getting so annoyed with the receptionists and blaming them for the situation "

Who said I was annoyed? I thought this was a thread discussing our views on drs receptionists? I’m airing my views like everyone else

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By *omer47Man
over a year ago

leigh

Some of them are helpful but there's a lot who are jobsworths.

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By *ndrew CareyMan
over a year ago

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire & Lincolnshire


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?"

My GP has one that you just cannot bother with.

So I go around her using the online consulting system.

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

Rottweilers in lipstick at my docs! The nurses/docs are lovely though x

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By *mmMandyTV/TS
over a year ago

Southampton


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation."

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By *mmMandyTV/TS
over a year ago

Southampton


"I'd like to see them getting grilled on the nature of the emergency if they need a service like the Fire Brigade, to then be told to call on Monday morning to arrange a telephone consultation "

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Rottweilers in lipstick at my docs! The nurses/docs are lovely though x"

Aww don’t be mean to Rottweilers haha

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"

They have a difficult job to do at the best of times, much more so at the moment. I can’t believe some of the comments I am reading here. Like I said, the ones at our local surgery are superb.

"

Other people have different experiences, they can air them on a thread asking for opinions

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford

I was prescribed antibiotics for a urine infection few weeks back by lovely nurse she said ring back if it's still a problem which it was have needed 2 sometimes 3 courses to clear it before have diabetes was still peeing blood in pain so phoned back and the receptionist was so unhelpful I said I dont need a phone consultantation just another antibiotic and was told to ring back! She was having none of it said I would have to call 111! So i gave up and called next day and lucky got a phone consultantation with same lovely nurse I told her I tried day before she was not happy I was turned away! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Everyone who rings for an appointment is i their own eyes an emergency.. receptionists out the common sniffle and send you packing..

They are first line between us and Doctors and do a great job. My mum was receptionist. My ex wife also worked as receptionist.. try telling them they were jobsworths!!

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists

Except for the fact that they are not medically trained and shouldn’t be triaging patients on the Drs behalf. Even the nurses where I work are not allowed to clinically triage!

I suggest that you take it up with the practice managers

If the practice managers are not aware that the receptionists are screening, then they will be glad to hear about it.

If they have instructed them to do so, and you disagree with the practice, then you am discuss it with them. If you are still unhappy with the practice, then move to another surgery.

Bit in the meantime, I don’t see much point in getting so annoyed with the receptionists and blaming them for the situation

Who said I was annoyed? I thought this was a thread discussing our views on drs receptionists? I’m airing my views like everyone else "

You come across as being annoyed about the situation. You certainly don’t sound happy about it.

But let’s not split hairs re wording. If you are unhappy that the receptionists are asking questions then you should take it up with the practice managers. As it is, it’s a bit like blaming a nightclub bouncer for implementing a “no trainers” role when they had no say in the policy. Find the person who made the policy and take it up with them.

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By *olourpurpleMan
over a year ago

Waterford

I have a few in my local surgery that are great at forgetting to do some things but they do generally try and be helpful and accommodating.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation."

This for me too. Also if I need a Doctor I am not willing to discuss why with a receptionist

Now bearing in mind I can't remember the last time I had to go to see a Doctor but since the pandemic they changed how they do things at mine and used the receptionists to triage.

It seems they are carrying on with receptionists doing this and them deciding whether you need a Doctor or not. After reading some of the people who have slipped through the net in the pandemic when receptionists wouldn't let them see or speak to a Doctor then it isn't something I am willing to do unless they get a medical degree so I am going to change Doctors to one that doesn't have non medical staff triaging.

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"Everyone who rings for an appointment is i their own eyes an emergency.. receptionists out the common sniffle and send you packing..

They are first line between us and Doctors and do a great job. My mum was receptionist. My ex wife also worked as receptionist.. try telling them they were jobsworths!!"

Everyone thinks they are an emergency? Not necessarily. Most of my appointments are routine or wanting a niggle checked out. I would say that maybe 5 per cent of my gp appointments were cases where I definitely needed to see a doctor that day.

But I can absolutely imagine that some people prioritise themselves differently and see their needs as being urgent a lot more of the time.

Not sure why receptionists are coming in for such flak here, without a good screening process things would grind to a halt very quickly. I certainly value their work and do not envy them.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo


"

But let’s not split hairs re wording. If you are unhappy that the receptionists are asking questions then you should take it up with the practice managers. As it is, it’s a bit like blaming a nightclub bouncer for implementing a “no trainers” role when they had no say in the policy. Find the person who made the policy and take it up with them. "

Or she could answer the OP without you accusing her of being annoyed when it is you who seems aeriated.

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By *partharmonyCouple
over a year ago

Ruislip

I've never had a problem with any. I haven't heard this description of them.

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By *immyinreadingMan
over a year ago

henley on thames


"I've never had a problem with any. I haven't heard this description of them. "

The alternative, no screening / checking, would be chaos, and would mean that those who shout loudest get seen first. I think they fulfil a hugely important function. Without their screening I would have less chance of having an emergency dealt with in the (thankfully) rare occasions that I actually have an emergency

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By *onb21Woman
over a year ago

Cardiff

For the first time I'm with a GP surgery with lovely receptionists and I have been with a lot. Giving them the reason for why I need an appointment is voluntary but that's not the reason.

Up until my experience has always been really negative. They have always been unfriendly, uncaring and not at all empathetic. It's completely different where I am now.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes they are. Walk a mile in their shoes first before we can judge someone else.

Be nice and kind and that is what you will get back

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By *yron69 OP   Man
over a year ago

Fareham


"Yes they are. Walk a mile in their shoes first before we can judge someone else.

Be nice and kind and that is what you will get back "

Not always true I’m afraid.

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?"

They are sworn at, spat at, verbally abused and often spoken to in the most disgraceful manner. It’s a wonder some GP receptionists still want to do the job. They are just doing their job on the instructions of their GP partnership employers.

Perhaps if people were nicer they may get better service!

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire


"Yes they are. Walk a mile in their shoes first before we can judge someone else.

Be nice and kind and that is what you will get back "

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By *andyfloss2000Woman
over a year ago

ashford


"Unfairly portrayed as demonic jobsworths?

Tendency to make people think twice about seeing their doctor?

What do you think?

They are sworn at, spat at, verbally abused and often spoken to in the most disgraceful manner. It’s a wonder some GP receptionists still want to do the job. They are just doing their job on the instructions of their GP partnership employers.

Perhaps if people were nicer they may get better service! "

I am allways nothing but polite as I am to everybody in all walks of life! X

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By *iamondCougarWoman
over a year ago

Norfuck! / Lincolnshire


"I don’t believe that they are adequately qualified to medically triage patients in order to prioritise patients. I don’t believe that they should be asking for clinical details over the phone to the degree that they do as they are not trained to know what may or may not be an acute situation.ours only ask so they can let the doctor know in advance.

Our don’t. Unfortunately ours appear to be medically triaging over the phone in order to prioritise patients into appointment slots.

If that is what they are doing, then it is probably because that is what they are being paid to do by the practice managers.

Don’t blame them for doing what they have been asked to do and for what they are being paid to do.

What they are doing sounds very sensible, screening patients to ensure that limited gp time is not taken up by patients who did not need to see the doctor.

Sounds like they are doing an excellent job and providing a very valuable service. If you have a problem with this then your problem is actually with the policies and practices of the practice managers rather than the receptionists "

This ^^

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By *asmeenTV/TS
over a year ago

STOKE ON TRENT

The ones at my doctors are lovely xxx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Should they require the intimate reason for the appointment...or should they just make them without further enquiries? "

My mum is a doctor's receptionist and while I wouldn't always jump to her defence, she has told me some ridiculous reasons people have called up for appointments and things that (to me) would quite obviously require only a trip to the pharmacy.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Yes they are. Walk a mile in their shoes first before we can judge someone else.

Be nice and kind and that is what you will get back

Not always true I’m afraid."

Just speaking from my experience dealing with lots of people in the service industry that have been classed as being awkward/aggressive etc

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By *ollydoesWoman
over a year ago

Shangri-La

You dont have to tell them and i could point out some negative experiences, but one positive, I phoned about what i though was minor thing, after 4 or 5 questions the receptionist had me an emergency app in nurology that day. So ying and yang and all that jazz..

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"They need to know the reason for the appointment so they can distribute appointments appropriately through the resources available.

Some patients only need to see the nurse, for example. "

wrong they are not qualified to do so and would be held accountable if anything was to go wrong .... you dont have to tell anyone but the dr whats wrong with you ...we took things further with one receptionist who decided to read my husband problems out over the counter in a loud manor she lost her job and the dr surgery got a slap on the wrist for it by the cqc

saying that i deal with drs surgeries daily and its a very very rare thing to find a rude one or power crazed one

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By *yron69 OP   Man
over a year ago

Fareham

I suppose the problem is passive aggression which is noticeable everywhere. Even a butcher yesterday was passive aggressive to me over lamb mince. You can’t argue. Not if they have a cleaver clenched in one hand.

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By *ulfilthmentMan
over a year ago

Just around the corner


"Probably just doing what the practice managers asked them to do.

If they just put everyone straight through to the doctor they would probably get a bollocking from their bosses "

Maybe. But ask yourself how many phone calls you can answer at once.

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