Bloody Doctor's Receptionists! Rant Alert - sorry

[WigWamBam]

I have just rung to try and get my dd in to see a doctor, she is screaming in pain with her ears, she has had conjunctivitis for three days which is suddenly getting worse ... and the receptionist at the Doctor's told me I would have to wait until WEDNESDAY next week! What are these people on??

I've insisted on seeing someone, and she said I can come at the end of surgery at 5.30 and see if someone will see her, but that they might not! She is 3.75 years old, shrieking in agony ... and they seriously want me to wait until Wednesday!

Perhaps if I get her to scream at the receptionist, they might change their minds!

It worries me that another parent in the same position might have accepted what the receptionist had said, and ended up with a very poorly child indeed.

Well, absolutely. Under what circumstances could a child with an infection possibly ever wait 6 days for heavens sake?

The ridiculous thing is, they are supposed to guarantee an appointment within 2 working days, although it won't necessarily be with your own doctor. To then tell me that a child with an ear infection has to wait 6 days is taking the mickey.

Glad you got seen eventually, WWB - those people aren't known in our house as rejectionists for nothing!!

DS was diagnosed with broncholitus (eventually) when he was about 2. When I first rang for the appointment, I was cross questioned by the receptionist about symptoms - who then, without asking my name, childs name, childs age or knowing any medical history told me to give him paracetomol !!! That was the point when I demanded to speak to someone else. I also made a point of telling the doctor that the receptionist should not be giving out medical advice like that !

God Whizz!

Agree with Christie, also you could try saying things along the lines of

"Is the practice manager/doctor aware that you're making potentially critical clinical decisions?" and
"So you're prepared to accept personal responsibility should my child be seriously ill?"

Glad you got it sorted WWB!