"Receptionist has more power nowadays then GPS!!! "

Called early morning at 8am to get appointment, of course as usually no appointments or emergency appointments available! Just at 8.14am! Advised by receptionist to call 111. Called 111, GP called back advising I have to be seen today by GP asking me to call surgery as she couldn’t get through and saying report was sent to surgery. Called St Marks - again same receptionist, listened to everyone what I said then hang up! I called back asking if she is going also to hang up this time?… then asking her for appointment- she refused saying I have COVID and I won’t have appointment. I said no I had COVID but I’m negative since few days…. She said: “no you can’t have appointment because your report says you were positive COVID on 31st December.” I asked her if she realises today is 14th of January? And I can proof I have no COVID as I’m negative from few days. She said I can’t have appointment because I was positive on 31st December and if I want to I call call 111.

I called 111 and they said I should call back and put formal complaint and speak with Surgery Manager and go to A&E today for check up then.

I called another lady du picked up the phone and I requested for Manager of Surgery to call me back. I told her I am not being funny but since when receptionist overrides decisions of GPs? And how she can say I can’t have appointment because I was positive on 31st December?… when I am negative since few days and I can proof that. There are many people who had COVId but still being negative surely should give them change to have appointment or treat enemy if needed?….fact someone was positive covid on the past does not mean they are positive covid!!!! Plus how receptionist can disregard decisions of fully qualified GPs?????

Shocking, absolutely shocking customer service, treatment people receive from such receptionist, and fact someone who is to take calls declines people chances to get appointments or even treatment. It looks like nowadays receptionist is head of surgery, can decline appointments, treatments, disregard reports sent by GPs and override their decisions!

Worst treatment I ever experienced since I am with St Marks Surgery.