VENT-Doctors Receptionists

jollymummy

If you are unhappy do complain to the practice manager but I guess it could have been have been a comment made about anything.

The receptionist shouldn't have said it and if you feel anxious already,it's difficult not to take things personally.

I just wanted to say, good luck with the CBT as you say it's hard going but I did it 13 years ago, and it still helps me every day. Stick with it and it will help.

RosiPossum

sharnad wrote: »

Stupid Ipod. Worst thing is I can't remember what the word was suppsed to be.

skint? would make sense. Funny when things autocorrect!

RosiPossum

I believe it's the data protection act that requires all NHS staff to only access personal information if they have a need to. Just because receptionists may have access to records doesn't mean they can. I'd sincerely hope they didn't access people's records to be nosy!

Just_a_Girl_2

Heamol wrote: »

How do the receptionists know what aliments people are seeing the doctor about?

I thought it was all supposed to be confidential? We don't have to give details when we book an appointment- just say whether it's urgent or whether it can wait a couple of days for a regular appointment.

Believe it or not, doctors talk.

I've worked in GP surgeries and I now work in a hospital and doctors do discuss the patient and what they came for and yes, they would often say there was no need for them to be there.

Probably not what people want to hear but in my experience, this is the majority of the doctors I've worked with and not the minority.

I'm not saying this is right by the way, nor do I condone it. But I can't deny that it happens.

Errata

Just_a_Girl wrote: »

Believe it or not, doctors talk.

I've worked in GP surgeries and I now work in a hospital and doctors do discuss the patient and what they came for and yes, they would often say there was no need for them to be there.

Probably not what people want to hear but in my experience, this is the majority of the doctors I've worked with and not the minority.

I'm not saying this is right by the way, nor do I condone it. But I can't deny that it happens.

Of course doctors discuss patients with each other and if they need to be at a hospital or not. That's their job.

mightyroyals

Errata wrote: »

I can think of at least half a dozen reasons for "Sigh" with "Oh God" , none of which would have anything to do with your request for an appointment. But, if you want to assume the worst and put your own spin on what you think was going on, I doubt anyone will convince you you're wrong.

I find your post to be rather rude tbh, I guess you do not suffer from any type of anxiety so cannot understand how it feels and with HA and GAD you can feel like everything is against you.

The receptionist could quite easily apologized for sighing and saying oh god but felt there was no need so it was still rude be it directed at me or not.

Just_a_Girl_2

Errata wrote: »

Of course doctors discuss patients with each other and if they need to be at a hospital or not. That's their job.

But I am not a doctor, nor am I medically trained. I work in a secretarial role. Didn't stop the doctor calling me over to the screen to see what he had written about the patient and calling them a "time waster".

I had no real need to know what the patient had been to visit the doctor about, or whether they needed to be there, but it didn't stop them from telling me anyway.

pmduk

mightyroyals, I do think you're taking it too personally.

I had the receptionist say oh @@@ and swear under her breath when I attempted to collect one of my frequent prescriptions this week. It turned out to be because the senior partner had a huge stash of scripts on his desk that he was hoarding and not giving up for filing.

Not an unusual occurrence I was told, but in one of my paranoid moments, that could have led to upset.

trinity_enigma

I've just read this entire thread and I've worked in a few places as a receptionist (not medical) I can guarantee there are a couple of things that might make me say that - the fourth or fifth line could have lit up on the switch board, or even the ninth & tenth on a day when another receptionist has called in sick, computer might have crashed while trying to access something, someones walked in but left the door open making it freezing, taken a sip of tea and spilt it down myself. However when talking on the phone I can guarantee I would not react like that. I won't lie- I might on a particularly bad day be thinking it, but I would never actually say it!

In reference to receptionists asking why you want to see a doctor, I've always assumed its so they can make sure you see the most appropriate person. Sometimes you would be perfectly fine seeing a nurse but ask for a doctor - if they are able to give you an appt with a nurse then that frees up a spot with a doctor for someone who could only see a doctor and not a nurse if that makes sense.

Now I most boast about my current surgery - I can ring up and actually get an appointment that day!! I can also ring up and get an appointment in advance!! It's a miracle round here as everywhere except my surgery will only allow you an appointment on the day, but you have to ring up at 8 (keep ringing until its not engaged), register your interest in an appointment, wait for a doctor to call you back, then receive an appointment if it is deemed necessary. An absolutely rubbish system!!

marmitepotato

I really like the receptionists at my doctors, they are friendly, helpful and efficient. I usually ring and ask for an appointment for the doc to ring me. This way, I can stay at home wait for her call, we discuss whatever my ailment is. If she thinks I need to see her she makes me an appointment there and then. If not she leaves a script at reception for me to collect later. This saves me time, the doc time, and every other patient sitting in the waiting room time. When I collect my script the receptionist are always smiling and helpful.