Doctors

[Daisy]

Grauntie - I think in some practices a lot depends on the Practice Manager and any criticism is seen as a complaint against him or her.

[Gemini]

I had a stand off with a practice manager a few years ago. I went to collect my repeat prescription which should have been waiting for me, and she hadn't asked the Dr to sign it, as my review was slightly overdue! I said to her loudly ' so, You are sending me away without my medication are you?' Heard by all in the waiting room. She hastily went and got a Dr to sign it. I did write and complain.
I happened to see my GP a couple of weeks later. I didn't mention the matter but she brought it up, was sorry it had happened and asked if I wanted to take my complaint further. I said no, it was over now, and no huge thing, but I just wanted to lodge my complaint at the time.
So, sometimes they do listen to us.

[Daisy]

I rang our surgery on Wednesday to try and book an appointment with the nurse for my annual MOT. I had the blood test a while ago, but had been putting of making this appointment, partly through inertia, partly because I can't stand the 'medical assistant' (whatever that means) who does them, and partly because I hate the hassle to trying to find a date free.

The phone answered on the 3rd ring. Lovely receptionist offered an appointment for this coming Monday, which I can't do, or Tuesday, or any other day next week. A couple more tries and it's booked for a week on Wednesday. All the delays are mine, not the surgery's. I was very impressed. And the final joy - it's the nurse who is really nice, not the usual woman!

[Grauntie Mag]

That’s good service Daisy! My friend who uses the same practice as me said when she phoned this week she got as far as the automated message which told her she was no.16 in the queue! She held on for 15 minutes and then was no.15 in the queue! It seems like they ignore the phones when busy at the desk. Certainly no phones were answered when I went to make my appointment. I’m sure folk must be complaining now. I will ask what’s happening next time I have trouble getting through on the phone.

[Plantaholic]

We book our appts on line and repeat prescriptions but if I want to see my doctor it is usually a weeks wait, he is so gorgeous and kind. We also have lovely receptionists and nurses.

[Qwerty]

Ditto Plant

[Daisy]

I know they can't help the workload but being patient and kind is surely part of the job for doctors, nurses and the non-medical staff!! But a lovely friend of mine worked as a doctor's receptionist for many years, and she said she was continually shocked at how rude patients can be.

Our surgery is arranged so that the phones are answered out of sight of the waiting room and there's a sort of hatch by the entrance which helps with privacy.

[Grauntie Mag]

I did think this may be the case Daisy, but 16th in the queue? Also I am told we cannot speak to the secretary directly now, or be connected to the pharmacy although the options are still given in the answer message. It just rings and rings. 🙄

[Nana]

How frustrating Grauntie. Isn't there another surgery near you where you could join?

[Daisy]

Grauntie - that begs the question "who the H*** can you speak to"!!!