To not what the GP receptionist to loudly proclaim that I'm overdue for a smear test in the waiting room?

[nahhh88]

I went into the GP surgery for a completely unrelated manner, and when the GP receptionist pulled up my profile she said I'm overdue for my smear test, and did I want to book in for the smear test. I just said I'll book it another time and tried to get her to stop talking. I've never had a smear test as I'm a virgin and had the HPV vaccines as a teenager, and I have no intention of having one done any time soon.

I felt really embarrassed knowing everyone in the waiting room will have heard (the chairs are all very close to the reception desk, there's no privacy so you end up knowing everyone's private medical details said aloud for everyone to hear. As I walked out this old man made eye contact with me and I just felt really embarrassed by it.

AIBU to think GP receptions need to have more privacy and things handled more quietly and sensitively?

You sound lovely, like the receptionists at my surgery actually. Sadly they are not all like you.

Considering that GPs have been sued for not reminding patients at every opportunity about missed smears and mammograms and later cancer diagnoses and the cases have been won, I'm afraid I have to say get a grip. These are the consequences of a demanding claim ready no personal responsibility public.

Really? That’s insane. You’re stuck between those who want to be nannied and those who refuse to be nannied. I guess your username says everything. 🙁

Still doesn’t excuse revealing sensitive personal information in the waiting room though.

I hated going to my maternity appointments and the receptionist would say “do you need a urine sample cup” soo loud and then I’d have to emerge from the toilet in front of a waiting room full of people 😂

Offensive?! They were genuine questions from her.

You being so defensive about this suggests that you and your colleagues do in fact do the things listed.

You being so defensive about this suggests that you and your colleagues do in fact do the things listed.

We absolutely don't. I took offence at being asked questions about things I don't and would never do. I promise. I feel let down by bad receptionists who have given the rest of us a bad name.

The patients I deal with are treated with respect and kindness and I always go the extra mile to solve any problems they have and if I can't do it on the spot, I make a note to call them back and I always do. There's a glass door we can stand behind if they want to speak in private and I would never ask anyone about a smear test. That's for the nurse or doctor. I go out of my way to make sure everyone who comes through the door doesn't leave disappointed. I'll even watch your baby if you need the toilet.

It's horrible to lump people of the same profession together as if they behave the same.

It's still not down to the receptionist to share personal information of any sort in the waiting room!

And it’s not even an effective way to remind a lot of people. I’m the type to remember things that are communicated to me via text or email etc as opposed to someone blurting out I’m overdue for a test while I’m in a busy reception . Surely it’s better for GP practices to have a paper trail anyway.

In this instance the reception telling me in this way is more likely to annoy me for a moment, then I’ll think about the irritation and forget about booking the test.

It's private information and should be handled accordingly. OP is entitled to keep medical matters strictly confidential. The choice to break confidentiality is hers alone. Personally, I don't wish to hear anyone else's information when I'm at a surgery either.

If the waiting room isn't big enough for a private conversation or the receptionist is inappropriate, speak to the practice manager.

I'd be unhappy myself.

@DerekFaker no.

I am not.

I deal with receptionist often and whilst I've had my own unfortunate experiences I don't think advising of a routine procedure is an issue.

If she discussed out loud that this person had a specific diagnosis or that she was due her repeat prescription for piles then fine. But something routine?

There are far more important things to cry about.

The receptionist at my surgery do this, there’s zero privacy.

I've always been annoyed that I've had to give all those details in public anyone could be listening. Also the self check in has got my dob on full view. I thought we were meant to protect information like that or so my bank keeps reminding me.

I have met many nice receptionists, it just feels like another factor contributing to dumbing down our society.

And yet my practice manages to remind patients without publicly embarrassing them and engaging into a race to the bottom of quality of service.

They remind of routine checks if there for anything else (including flu jabs) whilst the records are open, they send emails and texts and there are also the postal reminders from the regional health area. These are all automated so don't impinge on time. The prompt to check for last smear/scan/whatever when the records are open for an appointment is also automated and takes a moment to ask the question and remind about it. Pretty small chance of even a hypothetical suit being accepted when they have all the records of reminders and without having to think about it.

There is no excuse for this kind of embarrassment of patients which I'm sure you know just puts people off going back or taking up the tests. Of course you could also be sued for breach of sensitive information and these days that's a lot more common.

Not an issue for you, no. But it is a sensitive topic for women who face barriers to the test for reasons such as past sexual violence. Thus, it is not appropriate to put them on the spot, especially not in front of a room of people. Also, routine or not, it’s still private information that should be kept confidential.

I once received a letter from NHS England, in about 2014 that said I could be struck off my GPs list if I did not have a smear test. It was most unpleasant. My MP intervened.

Bottom line is that most GP receptionists love the power, and love to loudly embarrass patients. They take pleasure in this and in being wilfully unhelpful.

Then they act like the poor hard done by victim when anyone dares call them out on their behaviour.

Bloody hell!

@MonZb some might. Me and my twelve colleagues wouldn't dream of it. We're actually nice and take no pleasure at all from seeing. patients suffer. GP receptionists are not all power mad indiscreet demons.

Do you address the GPs as Dr and the patients with their first names @MissBattleaxe.

Whoa that must be illegal. Disgusting.

Yep, evidently a whole bunch of letters went out to women in my constituency. They were sent by NHS England not the GP. Absolutely disgusting. They did apologise.

When I was at Uni in the 80s I can remember the GP telling me she wouldn't prescribe the pill unless I had a smear test first. Really odd looking back because I was only 19 and now they wouldn't even consider it until I was 25 (or 26?).

You are not being unreasonable. Write to the practice manager and ask that there is a note put on your file that they phone you if necessary to stop this happening in the future .

GPs are Dr and patients are Mr/Ms/Mrs Bloggs.