Doctor's receptionist.....

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

.... was just so lovely and understanding about the pain I'm in (migraine) that she nearly made me cry.

I used to work in a GP surgery as a pharmacy dispenser (rural practice before anyone asks) / receptionist and we weren't all dragons either!

AIBU to think that a lot of the stories about dragon-like or overbearing receptionists comes down to perception and on occasion, people not getting their own way?

Yes, some are brusque, unwelcoming or unsympathetic, but so are people in all walks of life, no?

[CreamCrackerundertheSettee]

I agree that it may not be their fault that they are implementing practice policy, however - one year I was seeing the GP so said that I'd ask him to do it instead of booking a flu jab appointment. No way said the receptionist outraged, you'll need a flu clinic appointment. When I had the appointment the GP suggested himself that he gave me the jab during the appointment.

Ditto when the receptionist refused to give me my blood test results, they said it was impossible- when I next saw the GP he said that was not practice policy to withhold information from patients.

[CarrotFingers]

My most recent surgery is lovely. All the staff are amazing and with two under 3 I've made a lot of calls!

One member of reception staff back in my home town was foul. When I was about 18 I started feeling sick after meals - turns out it was just a bit of indigestion, but the GP told me to drop in a urine sample for a pregnancy test. Having never had anything sent off for tests before and not being aware of the time I should have called (I think you were meant to ring after 2pm), I rang at the wrong time and gave my details, which the receptionist couldn't find. As I was part way through giving my name again she snapped 'no need to repeat yourself, and it's negative.' I was literally shocked into silence at her rudeness. I didn't think I'd be pregnant anyway and was only ringing to triple check - but imagine if I'd been trying for a baby and hoping for a positive? I should have complained really.

[terrylene]

Definite dragon of a receptionist in the 1970s. Gatekeeper extraordinaire.

I had perfectly good helpful receptionists when I moved away, until I accidently signed up to the Wrong Practice (she had my health card out of my hand before I could blink - very efficient.) They had the glass sliding doors to slam shut so they could look at the waiting patients and talk without them hearing - and they had to wait a long time on an uncomfortable assortment of chairs that must have come from the local second hand places. The receptionist was not the only thing that was wrong - she was more of a sign that I should have not gone there.

All other surgeries I have been to are helpful and professional. The only thing I would say is that they could guide you through the system a bit more - one never knows who/how to make appointments and things change from one visit to the next. Repeat prescriptions were a minefield for me as I had never experienced them before - consultants prescriptions even more so. However, they are probably playing catch up themselves as things change with the days of the week..........

[JimmyChoosChimichanga]

My current surgery they are nice. One is a bit cool but OK. Growing up though I remember the utter utter bitch of a receptionist at the GPs. She was a monster. When she retired they held a party and no-one went. She was so dragon like it was cartoonish. Everyone hated her.

[sobeyondthehills]

A receptionist refused to book me an appointment unless I could tell her what was wrong.

I refused to answer saying it was something I wanted to discuss with my doctor, I was suicidal and only phoning because my partner was making me. In the end he dealt with it.

[sobeyondthehills]

On the flip side of that, the receptionists now are lovely and have done so much in the last few years for me

[FinallyThroughTheRoof]

I work for a dentist

I have to stick by practice policy or get a bollocking, but the dentists will often do favours for people once they are there.

Probably ensures they think i am a real biyatch

[Avonandice]

Our OOH receptionist complained about our doctors receptionist.

I'd been into the surgery to try to make an appointment as I'd tried ringing every day for a week, each time to be told that 5/10 minutes after the line opened that there were no appointments and they only slotted emergencies in. I'd rung at 8 and 1 as you are supposed to. I virtually crawled into the surgery as I was unable to breathe between coughing fits, and moving made it worse. Again was told that there were no appointments but try later as there may be a cancellation.

DH compromised with going to the OOH as it was a Saturday and he wanted to go to A&E, our surgery does a half day Saturday, staggered into OOHs and the receptionist said that I needed to ring to book a slot. Started coughing and gasping and she took one look and she shot off and got a doctor. Ended up being admitted over the weekend for IV antibiotics, fluids and nebulising. A chest infection that would have been sorted a week earlier with a course of tablets ended up as pneumonia and pleurisy.

[Fletchasaurus]

I've had one woman who has received me to tears. I have asthma and was issued the wrong prescription (very serious). I'd gone on the way home from work and she shut down her computer, got her coat and said 'i can't help you'. In hindsight I should have complained but was so shocked. I suffered through that weekend, it was bad!

[justkeepswimmingg]

My current GP practice have lovely receptionists. They're always smiling (even in when the reception is boiling hot - especially in this heat), and always willing to help as best as they can. They deal with rude patients often, as sadly there's usually a very long waiting time for doctors appointments, but they always deal with it fantastically. I've moved around a lot, and have come across some very rude receptionists.