To think this GP receptionist is wrong

[Wineandcornflakes]

Disclaimer: I totally get that GP surgeries are overwhelmed, especially with parents worried about Strep A, however...

DS2 (11) was at the doctor's last week with a bad cough - he is asthmatic. DS1, and I both have had a nasty chest infection and needed antibiotics and inhalers. She was happy he was managing ok but said if he doesn't settle to come back early this week for a review and possible steroids.

So he's still coughing and not himself (have to say both my boys have needed nebulisers in the last with no audible wheeze without a stethoscope). He has gone back to school as had a week off, school can give inhalers and I work there so am on hand.

Receptionist said he didn't need an appointment as he's at school so must be better and a pharmacy OTC remedy will probably do. 🤬

Intend to call again tomorrow and insist (DH made the call today)

AIBU to think with asthma and a request by the doctor to be seen if no better, the receptionist has got it wrong here?

It’s really not up to the receptionist. Other than your making a follow up appointment for your son at the request of your GP for the management of chronic asthma, she doesn’t need to know anything else.

Not sure op. The question for me is if he was unwell last week and the GP suggested a further appointment if he was no better, why is he well enough for school this week but still needs a Dr's appointment. Does the fact he is now well enough for school indicate an improvement. Also, how does the receptionist know he's back at school unless you said he could only have an apt after 4pm

Usually I am not a fan of GPs or their receptionists but not so sure here.

Sorry but no one here can really answer this for you. In my area, all calls get answered by reception who take details then the call is triaged by a dr. So for me, this answer would have come from the dr but via reception.

Do you know what processes they have in place? This info came second hand from your husband also, is it possible there was some confusion?

I can’t really believe that receptionists are allowed to make medical decisions (cue 1800 posts telling me I’m wrong and it happens there)

Hope your son feels better soon

He is better in the sense he less unwell in self but asthma still flared. DH did ask for a later appointment if available (I did say this was stupid).

With seasonal asthma he'd never be at school if he didn't go in when coughing. He had a temperature last week (the virus itself isn't an issue) but he gets a flare of asthma with any virus.

Definitely not triaged, initial conversation with receptionist. DH wasn't as direct as I would be.

I work as a receptionist in a gp surgery dons hard hat and I would have just booked him in under a routine appointment. We’re not medically trained so we can’t make the decision whether someone is seen or not. Occasionally we will put messages on for the doctor (if no appointments left) and they will then ask us to give the patient the answer.

I think it's probably a bit on your dh. He was talked out of the appointment - so from her point of view he didn't need an appointment because dh agreed with her. If he needs the steroids he needs the steroids. I imagine if you'd been on the phone he'd have gotten his appointment.

The fact the doctor said to come back if not settled suggests to me another appointment is due.

Yeah it is totally DH I should be cross at 🤣. I tried hard to not snap at him! I will call myself tomorrow

I would call again tomorrow and insist on an appointment.

I would also potentially complain about a medical decision being made by a receptionist.

Your DH possibly accepted rather than insisting? I find just saying something along the lines of He is having x problem, I have reviewed NHS guidance which states he needs to see a doctor today makes it harder to argue.

YANBU. It's not the receptionists call to make. DS has viral induced asthma & we've always been told to get him checked, by a Dr, if there are any concerns. Kids can cope remarkably well with a flair up, until they don't & they can go downhill very quickly.

Why not snap at him? Does he not understand how serious the asthma is?

I think you shouldn;t have to take this all on yourself, your DH should be bothered enough to advocate too.

He struggles with certain things for disability reasons. He is usually ok with making appointments. I asked him to do it as I was at work at the call in time and he is at home due go a severe accident a few years ago.

Lesson learned, I'll do it myself next time. (Yes self pity alive and well here!). It's been a very tough few years and I'm knackered holding it all together!

This is my concern. Once took DS1 as I just felt he was off and he had an immediate nebuliser (no audible wheeze). He has has asthma since 9mths so I've been doing this for 14 yrs with him.

It's my own fault at DS2s asthma review the other week I said how well he's been this year 🙄

Sorry you have so much to do

If the reason really is the disability I can see why you had to try not to snap.

Not self-pity, it sounds tough. I hope you get better help tomorrow.

Call back tomorrow and ask for an appointment

If you get the same answer from receptionist ask her if she is medically trained enough to give this advice - I think not

Thanks all. I think my frustration was misdirected. In fairness of DH had been more insistent maybe she would have been better. Sometimes it just all gets too much! I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Off for a large wine 🍷

Excuse typos

Surgery receptionists are NOT medically trained to decide whether an appointment is necessary. Call tomorrow to book an app if you are worried.

Yanbu. Phone again and insist. Having receptionists blankly refer to pharmacy is a real problem. We are not able to do physical tests to look down your throat, listen to chest or in ears etc. When that level of detail us needed we have to refer back to the surgery, whether you get seen by a practice nurse or go is up to them.

Asthma meds changed and new ones added after GP appointment today.