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"Receptionists think they are doctors"

About: Balmoral Gardens

I called for an appointment for a mental health issue and was told by the receptionist that it wasn’t an emergency so I would get a call back from the doctor. I was advised by the doctor the week before that should I need to see him again I should make another appointment. When I tried to explain this to the receptionist she told me that if it’s an emergency I should call the hospital. I got upset and told her that I shouldm’t Have to be discussing my mental health with her, a receptionist, and would like to make an appointment with the doctor as he advised me to do the week before. At this point she began a conversation with her colleague whilst still on the phone to me, saying “I know! She is giving me grief!” Completely disrespectful and unprofessional! I asked to put through to somebody to make a complaint about her behaviour and was told put it in writing and the phone was put down. The actual doctors in this place are good if you can get to see one instead of talking to the pretend doctors on reception!

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Responses

Response from Balmoral Gardens 4 years ago
Balmoral Gardens
Submitted on 23/05/2019 at 11:44
Published on nhs.uk at 12:06


the receptionists at the surgery are trained professionals and are trained to signpost a patient to the appropriate person.

If there are no appointments available the receptionist will correctly advise that a phone call from the doctor would be arranged so that the doctor can assess the urgency of the situation.

Receptionists will also consult with their colleagues for support and confirmation that the appropriate information is given.

A receptionist will only ever put the phone down on a patient when they begin to use foul language and become abusive.

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Response from Balmoral Gardens 4 years ago
Balmoral Gardens
Submitted on 13/03/2020 at 12:09
Published on nhs.uk at 12:47


I have spoken to all the receptionists and nobody has any recollection of answering this call. There are 4 surgeries in Balmoral therefore I do not think this response is for our surgery. Please check which surgery you are with and re-send the comments to the correct one.

If you are with red suite please advise.

Thank you

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