"GP Receptionists "

I must say, that I have an excellent GP practice in Alloa. The doctors are lovely, helpful, and listen to you despite being a busy surgery. My only annoyance, however, is that the receptionists really do make it an anxiety provoking experience to call in. I telephoned once when my daughter was very unwell, pressed number 1 by accident (the "emergency line". I had been up all night, was tired, and worried about my daughter. The receptionist listened to my story (all of it! ), instead of politely interrupting me....waited until I was finished, and said "does your daughter need an ambulance? " sarcastically.... they clearly knew from my story that this was not the case. Had I needed an ambulance, I would not have been calling my GP surgery....

As it turned out, my daughter was thankfully admitted to hospital (with thanks to the very helpful GP). My experience in hospital was excellent. Just such a shame that some rude and impatient receptionists can often make the beginning of a patients journey so unpleasant. No need for it at all.

People are anxious when they phone their GP/any healthcare facility....please consider this if you are a receptionist. Politeness costs nothing. Making an appointment can be such a challenge now too..you are asked to call at 8am (at which point it is engaged for about an hour)....when you finally get through feeling somewhat frustrated...there are "no appointments left", try again tomorrow at 8am. Not ideal!