to not want to give symptoms to GP receptionist?

[vintageteacups]

So I called the GP surgery this morning and, as like the last time I rang, the first thing the receptionist said when I asked to book a doc's appoinment for dd (9) was:

"what seems to be the problem? We have a nurse's clinic this afternoon"

I calmly said that I would like a doctor's appointment and didn't tell her the symptoms.

What on earth? We pay our taxes and it's our right to take dd to see the gp, yet this cold fish of a woman just went "right, Dr .... at 11:50 then", took the name and address and put down the phone.

As has happened before, I felt really guilty about taking DD and felt as though I was wasting their time (even though I hadn't said what was wrong wtih dd).

Surely they can sift out the ones who turn up every monday morning with a spot on their finger and another runny nose (however, it's surely their right to book an appointment if they want) compared to me who has taken dd and ds probably twice each in 2 years. I have been once in 2 years!

They have a comments sheet - was thinking about extending it into a letter.
The receptionists have a really bad reputation for being grumpy and unhelpful.

Vintage. I wasn't being deliberately condescending. Jesus, a job is a job. Call a spade a spade. Being a receptionist isn't a career move...in 10 years time you'll still be a receptionist...it's just a bloody fact. FAnjo didn't say she was volunteering, she said she does it for cash.

My degree is in Eng lit and politics my MA is in economics and my phd is in a literature field.

no, in 10 years time you will probably be a Practice Manager

which is essentially a business role. Is that an acceptable career to you, maybe?

Lady wtf?! Do you live in a fairytale? I'm a qualified accounts assistant (not quite as impressive as fango I know!) working as a check out operator. No it wasn't my life plan, but then neither was having a SN child who limits the hours and days I can work. But yeah, I'm proud of that. Proud that I work. Proud to be doing what I need to do for my child.

so what will you do when you've done your phd?

I shan't do anything.

I'm a published author I write from home as and when being a parent allows me. My husband works full time.

Not a fairy tale.

Aside from having a tough dealt handed to you both, having a child with SN and the ability to work jobs of certain hours isn't a normal run of the mill lifestyle...you work those jobs because you have to.

I'm talking about those qualified above such positions and work those jobs because they WANT to...obviously if your partner/child is unwell or unable then you work hours set by your position.

Thankfully, there are people who do have good quals but don't think that certain jobs are beneath them, otherwise where would we all be ?

I think your oxford quals and receptionist comment was extremely rude though - oh well - that's a whole other thread.....

yes it was extremely erm rude

And there are those who have good quals and manage those beneath them. Otherwise there would be an awful lot of Indians with no Chiefs.

It was erm extremely pretty on the money actually.

what sort of books do you write? I know I'm veering again but I'm interested.

In my head I have a complete image of your whole persona just from that one post.

I have a degree and post-grad qualifications and IMO any job is a career move if the alternative is the dole. I am not a receptionist but I think the job has its challenges for s start having people like you speak down to them. All the paper qualifications in the world are worth nothing if you are incapable of empathy and civility towards others. I have applied for jobs requiring even less qualifications than a receptionist. My main aim in life is to support myself and my dd. I wasn't allowed to pursue a career but I am not about to sit unemployed without a fight just to suit the prejudices of others.

For a start nobody is just anything. That one word makes any phrase sound so patronising. Each and everyone out there is a human being and unless they are literally doing nothing then they are contributing to society.

Weirdly, I was also a hospital receptionist for 2 years, also an Oxford Graduate. Needs must and all that. It was one of the most enjoyable, and also stressful jobs I have done. So stick that in your published pipe and smoke it, LadyoftheCuntyManner.

anyway i notice you are fairly young LOTCM, hopefully with age and a bit of exposure to real life you will become a bit more sensitive and aware

(and not such an arsehole)

Well said xstitch

laughing at the thought that someone who has published a book which has probably been read by only a few people thinks that they are it

A published author could have written Ikea flat pack furniture instructions .

Vintage - your GPs receptionist had obviously spoken with Lady before you. No wonder she was grumpy and you got short shrift.

Fanjo - thought you'd gone to bed

Actually, I'm glad lady posted her comments now - I feel more more loving towards the receptionist. I will tell her everything next time I call up for an appointment.

It's all very well saying the receptionist needs to have the info to make important decisions that could be vital, but then may I ask why mine was so blaze when I ended up in hospital with 3 pointers to DVT when she said there were no appointments left. As I said in my earlier post it was ME who suggested to her I go to hospital, at which she honestly sounded like she didn't give a monkeys.

Can I ask what would have happened if I had stayed at home, developed DVT and had a clot that killed me? Would anyone have thought to see if I had tried to call the doctors and hear the (apparently recorded) conversation I had with the rude lady who simply couldn't be bothered and wonder if she could have advised a little more?