When our receptionists ask a patient why they want to see a doctor, 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.
