Ah Bless

[cecil39]

I rang the surgery to get an appointment and the receptionist asked me what my symptoms were, but as I told her she repeatedly said "ah bless" in what I call a soupy sort of voice, it made me feel like a two year old, and very annoyed to be made to feel so small, if I had been face to face with her I think I could have hit her, what do you think?

[Canary42]

Yes, I think you would have hit her too ;-)

[marval]

Did you get the appointment though?

[Maydup]

To be honest, she sounds like an angel compared to many receptionists. I would have thought it was nice t hear a sympathetic voice. But I said "oh bless" to someone at work the other day and she did her nut. It obviously offends people and I hadn't realised to what extent. I'll do my very best never to say it again to anyone over the age of 3.

[sandyRoe]

Is it any business of a receptionist asking symptoms?

[Mamyalynne]

Not very professional but at least she was sympathetic.


Sandy, in ideal circumstances it would be great if they didn't - but with so many patients calling in they need to triage and assess the urgency of the need for an appointment.


You can of course point blank refuse to tell them, though I don't see why one would.

[Arksided]

Awe bless ya... that does sound awful.

[Baldric]

As far as I'm aware Receptionists have no Medical Qualifications and Triage is quite a skilled job, your symptoms are none of her business!

[Mamyalynne]

That's fair comment - however if I am in pain and need to be seen, I would rather tell her that than let all the appointments be given to people having passport forms and insurance certs signed ( and all the other trivia that could wait a few days).

[Bathsheba]

I agree with Baldric. I worked as a GP receptionist for a couple of years + we were not supposed to offer any medical advice, + triage was always done by one of the practice nurses.
As to the "ah bless" remark,....I would have had to know the patient quite well + have a friendly relationship with her.


Baths
x x

[Peter Pedant]

Thats OK

when I asked the receptionist at the eye hospital for a copy of the consultants letter to the GP - she said " I have no idea WHAT you are talking about. "

( like the standard ABer when they read a post such as this )

[DaisyNonna]

Since when have receptionists been trained to triage?

[Mamyalynne]

I shall retract the word 'Triage' from my statement - but I still feel expressing a general need for an urgent appointment is helpful.

Continue to withhold and you'll wait days , I get seen the same day.

[Mamyalynne]

I used the word incorrectly, a general assessment - ie, itchy toe or excruciating back pain.

Passport form or a repeat scrip.

[Bathsheba]

@Daisy.....never.

x x

[DaisyNonna]

Patient - Doctor information is confidential. Receptionists? No.

[Mamyalynne]

Tell 'em rock all then.

[naomi24]

I don't think you should have told her what your symptoms were. You wanted to talk to a doctor about your condition - not a receptionist. Next time tell her so.

[lcg]

i would have told her to bog off and that my symptoms and need for an appointment is between me and my doctor. she has no business asking you, or attempting to 'triage' you as she is not a trained health professional. i have complained about this to my dr's surgery and they must have put a note on my records as they no longer ask me......but they continue to try with my husband and son. it is a shocking breach of your right to confidetial treatment and consultation with your gp.