"Appalling Attitude From Receptionist"

First of all, I wanted to email the practice about this privately but there is no contact information anywhere online and I don't want to phone the surgery after my experience with one of your receptionists.

I was 4 hours away from home for a few days as I'm in the process of relocating. I had to call 111 for a health concern, who told me I needed to be seen within 6 hours by a GP. They told me to phone the local surgery (who I used to be registered with until a few months ago) and explain i’d been referred by 111 and need to register as a temporary patient.

First of all the surgery was shut for lunch so I had to wait an hour. Then even though I was number 3 in the queue I waited 40 minutes for the phone to be answered. I was met immediately by a rude and defensive sounding receptionist who needs extra training on how to deal with people who are unwell… They barely let me get a word in edgeways and just kept saying no we can't help you if you aren't registered here. Full stop. No advice, no concern, no further questions. Just rude, cold and incompetent. No offer about registering me as a temporary patient.

I had a possible blood clot in my leg that needed checking so I was obviously concerned and anxious. I did snap at her and referred to the situation as an ‘*expletive*joke’ which is completely out of character for me, but I was in tears after speaking to this receptionist. To be told you need urgent care by 111 and then to be refused that care was scary to be honest.

I ended up having to phone my friend who is a consultant doctor for advice who told me to go to A&E or an urgent care centre. They also said that what your receptionist did is bang out of order and I should have been registered as a temporary patient.

I'd like to add that all your doctors and nurses are wonderful and I've never had an issue on that side of things.