"Rude Receptionist"

I received a text saying please phone this number or click on the link to book a health check. I called the number and asked the receptionist could I please book an appointment for a health check. They told me I should have clicked the link on the text. I said no, I was given the option of either doing that or calling; that is exactly what the text said so I've called up. They said again I should have clicked on the link. I said well, if that is correct, you are sending out misleading texts because it clearly says either phone or click the link - nowhere does it say we prefer you not to call. They continued to repeat that I should have clicked the link a couple more times; each time their tone became more condescending as though they were lecturing a small child. I then cut in and said if it's not too much trouble I am asking you, could you please make me an appointment for a health check. Finally they did.

I am not someone who is always contacting the doctor and I was simply following the instructions given on the text I received. If the Partnership does not want patients calling it they should just say so; I was made to feel as though I was some sort of inconvenience to the business and I have to say this is not the first time. Some years ago I ended up being rushed to high dependency by ambulance where I stayed for 10 days after the receptionist had said they wouldn't make me an appointment for my cough and pain in my sides because it sounded like a chest infection and I wouldn't get an appointment for three weeks by which time it probably would have cleared up. I think the practice needs to realign itself to the needs of the patients; the receptionists should not be making judgements about patients' conditions either, nor should they be coming across as though they are trying to block people from calling the practice.