To Be Fair

[Baldric]

. . . . . to my Doctors Receptionists they are doing their best to keep the Doc's workload to a minimum.
Hour or so back I tried to make an appointment due to my running a temperature for the last 24 hours, plus some inflammation and tenderness at the site of the Operation I had last August. I was advised to take Paracetamol and call tomorrow if nothing had changed (by someone with no medical qualifications whatsoever).
As I had a Heart Valve transplant 5½ years ago I am at a higher risk from infection than normal, there is a note on my Records to that effect, makes no difference apparently, not to her anyway.
I then rang the office of the Consultant whose care I come under for an annual check-up at Guys Hospital, brought Clinic Sister up to speed with the situation.
Have just had a call from Local Surgery, from my Doctor (who has had a call from Guys), asking if I can get in to see her at 1400hrs, and saying she will speak to the Receptionist about the reason for notes on patient records.

[Baldric]

Appointment done and dusted, course of Antibiotics collected, so wait and see now.

[jakep]

What a pity that you were not dealt with properly by your surgery initially. What worries me is that there are many people who would have accepted what the receptionist said to them.

[anneasquith]

I do wonder who gives gp receptionists the right to make decisions re a patients health ?

[wolf63]

I have to admit that my Vet and Doctor have well run surgeries and all three of us are treated well.

Good that you have some antibiotics - like you I have to be cautious with infections.

I hope that you, your better-half and the Dobies are coping without Boss Cat there to boss you around. They are evil, bullying and demanding. We still love them.

[Baldric]

Thanks wolf, we're doing ok.

[MargoTester]

Baldric - hope the ab's kick in and you soon feel better. Years ago I went to the doctors and the receptionist booked me in and said 'what's the problem' I replied I'm here to see the doctor, but if I had piles I wouldn't want the world to know'. All the waiting patients clapped!

[Psybbo]

I hope you feel better soon, Baldric. I've given up trying to get an appointment with my doctor. She is lovely and everybody wants to see her!

[dannyk13]

I have a doctor allocated to (as do all over 70s) and he told me that I could leave a message for him to contact me at any time which I have done on several occasions,usually without any problem until last week when the receptionist wanted to know why I wanted to speak to him.My reply was that it was nothing that would concern her.

[MargoTester]

Danny - I did not know that, is it the Gp you normally see and do the surgery inform you that this service is available?

[BEAC]

My sympathies,

when my daughter was small we had a receptionist who thought she knew it all. She's 55 now - no thanks to that harridan. All the young mums were afraid of her. Over the years all that stopped and everyone was helpful. Now it appears to have reverted. When I asked for a home visit for my sick husband I was told that I needed to talk to a DR so I'm sorry to say I snapped. No I don't! I want a doctor here and I want it now. He's 86 - I'm here you are there. A doc arrived 45 minutes later full of apologies. I am not a young Mum anymore.
PS - Don't fancy your reception when you have to visit the surgery next time. Isn't the reason for the notes part of the training?

[ummmm]

Our doctors do a call back. I don't see the problem in telling the receptionist what its about.

[Baldric]

Before I went in for Op. last August I had a call from St Georges (Tooting) asking me to get a course of XYZ Tablets, I needed to be on them for a week before the Op. or it wouldn't happen. Went, as requested, at 1700 to collect 'script only to be told by same receptionist that 'they' had decided I didn't need them as I was going to be in Hospital anyway.
Will blur over the next 2 or 3 minutes, let's say polite but positive
then I pulled up a chair to right in front of reception desk and told them would move when I got the 'script.
Friendly neighbourhood Doc. appeared in about 5 minutes, invited me in to her room, checked request with St Georges, and issued script.
I did apologise on the way out on that occasion.

[chaptazbru2]

I think nasty receptionists are a thing of the past, and I do remember them from my youth! Nowadays your doctor will ring you back if you request it and the receptionists seem friendlier, which can only be a good thing.

[dannyk13]

Hi Baldric, You have to stand firm with some of the receptionist you meet.

[Baldric]

Hi Danny, you're right, had a bit of practice doing that over the years, they'll get to know me and love me eventually!
;-)

[dannyk13]

Margo, yes it is the Gp I have always tried to see as he is aware of all my history.This scheme is actually recommended by the government and my surgery has adopted it.

[vulcan42]

You're lucky you can speak to a receptionist, my local clinic is 'press button one for a repeat prescription, press 2.....etc. Pressing 6 will eventually connect to a receptionist but only if it's not important. If it is important well then hard luck, you will be dead before they answer.

[gness]

Hi, Baldric....hope you're on top form soon.....

My records have a note saying previous serious cancer means I am fast tracked for an appointment....not so.....x

[Baldric]

Well, this is fun, just off to see the Nurse again for a Blood Sample to be taken. Finished Antibiotics last Thursday now symptoms are back again, I have this feeling I may be suffering from Deja Vu!