"Receptionists triaging patients"

Receptionists at this practice are now most definitely triaging patients. My understanding is that this should not happen.

Yesterday I managed to explain that I needed a repeat blood test to check if supplementation is addressing a deficiency identified last March. It was a struggle but the receptionist did not have a queue of people waiting, the phone wasn't ringing and she kindly persevered until she understood the situation. I also tried a couple of weeks ago, only to have a receptionist yell at me that I was confused before eventually running out of steam and admitting 'I'm not medically trained'. On that occasion I was also given erroneous information regarding a procedure and the steps I should follow to book it. A trip to Outpatients' reception at QEQM sorted it out. Considerable perseverance was required on my part.

When this happens I feel angry and concerned for all patients of this practice but whatever happens I remain polite. It's a struggle. Harassed receptionists can exude a fair degree of hostility and getting past that barrier requires self-control and patience. I'm running short of these qualities. If I were very ill I think I'd just give up.