What Has Happened To Gp Receptionists.

[leahbee]

Went to see GP today and was directed to sign in via a touch screen computer. As I waited I watched at least 12 people sign in using this method and wondered what state the computer was in after a full day. I know that my tablet gets filthy and I am the only one using it.
What has happened to the receptionist who welcomed you to the surgery and advised you of waiting times etc. It all seems so impersonal now.

[Bbbananas]

You're not obliged to use it. We have one installed in our reception - it does save waiting time, but we don't mind if people (esp the elderly) decline to.

I get what you say about hygiene though.

[AlwaysConfused]

I went to the doctors after a few years of not needing to, and was rudely directed to the touch screen machine as though I should have known it was there. They are assuming you can read, use technology etc. Maybe, the first time I queued up they should have asked me if I needed assistance using the computer, not that I would have needed help mind you.

[ladybirder]

Anything that negates having to approach our crabby rude receptionist is OK by me.

[Prudie]

Agree with LB, never met a GP receptionist yet that doesn't start with a stern unwelcoming steely glare when approached.

[237SJ]

To be fair, I doubt the touch screen is any more unhygienic than the door handle.

[chrisgel]

I'll swap you any time you want. The receptionists at my GP practice are rude, arrogant, officious and inefficient.
On Monday I phone the surgery (an 0800 number) to ask for a repeat of prescription (3 items) for my wife. They insisted that they had to speak to her and not me, even though she finds it difficult to talk.
They told her that I should go after 13:00 to collect them. At 13:05 I walked into the surgery to be told the doctor had decided on a home visit for my wife and had already left.
As my wife can't answer the door herself I dashed back home to find the doctor on the doorstep just about to leave.
Why they couldn't phone me to save me the journey I don't know.
Rant over. Apologies for going on but give me a computer any day.

[flicrat]

At the practice I go to, you are directed to put the gel on your hands before using the touch screen.I seemed to be the only one who did!

[flicrat]

Oh, and our receptionists are very helpful! Am I just lucky? ( Same practice I first went to when came to Leicester in 1961.)

[woofgang]

My surgery seems to have cornered the market in lovely receptionists. They are friendly, patient and helpful beyond the call of their jobs. They do have a check in screen but the old folk who don't care to use it don't have to.

[Connemmara]

our receptionists are nice too - tg

[puzzled54]

Strange tho isn't it, we now have automatic doors so that we don't have to touch the door handles, but touch screen machines everywhere. I too wonder about the cleanliness of the machines in the bank, library, doctors etc.

[Eve]

The ones are my place are nice too and I like the touch screen thing, it makes a difference from standing in a long queue when I could do without standing, both when checking in for an appointment and collecting a prescription (as the appointment patients don't need to queue).

[237SJ]

Our receptionists are OK but some of the people who answer the phone when patients call at 0830 for an appointment can be quite rude. There is one girl in particular who is so rude and unhelpful that I don`t know why she does the job. I can never understand why people who don`t like the public work in public contact jobs.

[Connemmara]

enjoyed your answer Fudd. (funny face)

[WackyWabbit]

It's technology and sooner than later everything will be fast, clean and efficient as robots/computers take over all our laborous tasks. It's going to be beautiful, no more wasting time, no more waiting in queues and we'll have more time to spend on the things we love so will turn out to be rather more personal as we can then spend more time with our loved ones and socializing, learning and working.

[sherrardk]

Our GP has two branches - one with a touch screen and one without, doesn't both me. What winds me up is the receptionists in A & E. Obviously I only go when I think it is an emergency and the last couple of times I have been kept waiting because they are too busy nattering about the filling in their sandwiches, etc.

[woofgang]

automatic door aren't for hygiene, they are for people who can't manage to open a door independently.
and sherrard, don't get me started on A and E reception and triage nurses...its not good for my blood pressure.

[Ann]

Lack of hygiene on touch screens? ............. yes just imagine ! And don't get me started on supermarket trolley handles - yuk!!
I carry a handbag size sanitising gel with me and use it often in town............

[Ann]

having said that I much prefer to check in via touch screens than ignorant receptionists who love to keep you waiting on purpose.