Bloody doctors receptionists

[zenasfuck]

Would appreciate thoughts on this because I'm not sure how to handle it

I've been very unwell for a few months and my GP has sent me for tests - blood tests of which one was for HIV. I am almost zero risk but agreed to rule it out so as to get to the bottom of things

Anyway, called my surgery today for the results and they said to pop in after 4 to see if they were back

I went to the surgery tonight to ask whether they were back and the receptionist (who is always rude) asked me what they were for. I said there were quite a few tests done and just wondered if they were back so we had a look on the computer.

And then told me in a packed waiting room that my HIV test was negative

Is it me or is that just not ok ?? Lots of people heard this and it was very embarrassing.

Would it be reasonable for me to speak to the practice manager about this ?

What were you expecting her to do?

Maybe tell me that they were back and that they were ok and to book an appointment to discuss them ?

Definitely not announce to everyone in the waiting room that I had an HIV test

Yes. And in writing also.

I had this happen at the hospital. Where a nurse came out and announced “good news! You don’t have X! You have Y!”

I was then asked to a private roommate I discuss this. I pointed out that this is a bit pointless and the dr was mortified. They could not apologise enough and took it very seriously.
I left it as that as I had genuinely believed that it was a terrible error and they nurse in question was not acting in a malicious way. It was just a bit of, well incompetence.
And the clinic did look after me very well at that point. (I was pregnant and had to be there regularly)

But if it had been a dr receptionist I would not have left it alone. Confidentiality and communication are one of the Maine parts of their job

I think that's bad - & I am surprised - our gp/nurse will ring you or you ring them - the receptionist might tell you the results are back but they don't/are not? allowed to tell you (I really appreciate some support they have recently given us at our practice - ie gp rang us twice to tell us dh xray was ok - thank you!)

Omg all these typos!

If you have any to pursue I would write them an official letter. And do highlight what your expectation was (an answer as to wether the tests were back - not the results)
I would also point out that pulling out a random test such as HIV seems a bit unusual and perhaps highlights that this is not the position of someone unqualified to be sharing this information. Particularly in a public place.

Thanks @DasPepe

I've had an issue with her before that resulted In A letter to practice manager - she gave me incorrect medical advice for a long term health issue I have and point blank told me I was taking the wrong medication (prescribed by leading consultant in field) and when I pointed her mistake out to her she told me I was being difficult and should 'listen to the experts' meaning her, a receptionist

Can't help but wonder whether he behaviour tonight is because of that

As a Receptionist - yes that was out of order and I would be told off that. I would normally reply they were back and were all negative/normal without naming the tests. If someone was wanting to confirm a particular result was in (for either just the result or so they know its back before booking follow ups) they could either ask to speak to me privately or id (seeing it was sensitive) offer that, to write down the one they were looking for, or print off all we had so they could check themselves. I'd obviously use my judgement which option to offer 1st to patients depending on the situation but I avoid referring to exact details as much as possible anyway and would never name a sensitive test like that in front of people. I would speak to the Practice Manager personally, they will hold regular training sessions and how to handle this sort of situation should be the next one!!

Thats out of order. I have monthly blood tests and phone for the results. The receptionist never says what they are just the results.

Id definitely be complaining

Not all receptionists are gossiping fantasists you think they are doctors.

But gossiping fantasists who think they are doctors are drawn to jobs as receptionists.

The receptionists at my practice have become appalling, and the practice manager is indifferent to it. So I plan to change practice. The receptionist braid on the phone so that everyone in the waiting room is given chapter and verse on callers’ health. She patronisingly says “well, Mrs Smith,.” so that listeners know exactly whose results they are.

NHS. Confidentiality. It’s a joke, which the staff simply don’t take seriously.