Why does a Receptionist need to ask what is wrong with me?

When our Receptionists ask a Patient why they want to see a GP, they are not being nosy or interfering, it is part of their role.

They are asked to ask and are trained to ask certain questions to ensure that you receive:

• the most appropriate medical care

• from the most appropriate health professional

• at the most appropriate time

Receptionists also do this:

• to help doctors prioritise visits and phone calls

• to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care

• to direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate

• Reception staff, like their clinical colleagues, are bound by confidentiality rules:

• any information given by you is treated as strictly confidential

• the surgery would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with accordingly

• you can ask to speak to a receptionist in private away from reception

However, if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then the Receptionist will respect this.

Our surgery has a team of skilled, qualified healthcare professionals who all have the experience and competency to treat many of the patients who traditionally believe they need to specifically see or speak with a GP.