The doors at my surgery remain well and truly locked. My dentist, optician and hospital appts have all run smoothly and we're able to be seen without a fuss.
After 4 phone conversations with receptionists (so maybe 80 actual calls to get through), and several poorly communicated messages via them to and from the GP himself (about something which given the opportunity I could have explained in 5 minutes over the phone), I was finally permitted a phone appointment with him (3 days later between 8.30 and 12.30 - whatever, just relieved to get one at all). He orders a blood test and says speak to reception about booking it.
Call reception back (20ish calls) and ask to book a blood test and get cut off with "We don't do blood tests", which confused me as they very much do. I explained the GP had requested it if they want to check my notes. Much HUFFING and SIGHING later I was told in an exasperated tone "I can't print blood forms, my colleague will have to do it and she's on the phone". Ok? Ask if I can book the appt anyway, "no you can't book til you have the form printed". No further explanation. Ask what to do now. Told to call back later when it "might be printed" (I don't need the form - they only hand it over on arrival to give to the phlebotomist). Get through again later - new snappy receptionist, equally exasperated, "What? Yes it's printed and your appt is at 10am in two days". No one had told me that, so it was a good job I rang.
Turn up at the appointed hour and there is an elderly gentleman leaving the surgery battling with the door, so I hold it open for him and then go in. No one in waiting room. Approach the desk the required 2m away and say hello. Receptionist SHRIEKS like she's seen a ghost and yells at me "How did you get in here?!?!" Explained someone was leaving as I came in and got a lengthy explanation that the door should be LOCKED AT ALL TIMES (resisted suggesting that perhaps they see people out to make sure, especially elderly people with two walking sticks) and I should have pressed the BUZZER and WAITED TO BE SEEN. She took my details and made me wait outside while she found my form and then 30 seconds later I was allowed back in.
One of many receptionist run ins at my place and not the worst.
It's a good job I'm reasonably good at biting my tongue and keeping comments to myself. The attitude of the entire reception staff is revolting to me - it's no wonder they get abuse with the attitude they give off and complete lack of patience and empathy. If I spoke to people at reception where I work in the tone they spoke to me I would be put on a performance review. They don't have to be softly spoken and kind, just entirely neutral if they can't manage that. It's not the GP himself I have a problem with, it is the "triage" which is very poorly managed with piss poor communication by stroppy women who yes, are probably rushed off their feet, but so am I at work and I manage to be civil. If anyone at all calls and says they are unwell they should be assumed to be until proven otherwise by a doctor, especially if a child is involved, and not expected to bellow symptoms through a crackly door buzzer.
Rant over 