"Emergency definition"

Firstly, I appreciate the NHS services are under extreme pressure due to limited funding, staff shortages and a number of political factors.

My disappointment though is based upon how he appointment system is managed and what training is given to those on the reception team regarding patient care and understanding as well as how it is determined whether an appointment is deemed an "EMERGENCY!"

Having called this morning and on 1 or 2 previous occasions within the last 12 Months, I have been asked "Is it an Emergency?" to which I have replied "NO!" Because I do not personally consider my condition to be an emergency, otherwise I would attend as suggested in its title "Accident & Emergency!" I have a family history of Hypertension and Heart issues which have resulted in 4 known deaths of direct family members and myself having Emergency surgery for an Aortic Aneurism. I also suffer with Anxiety and Depression and have done for many years. If Admin Staff are on the front line and were given appropriate training to enable them to ask the patient of their condition whilst accessing their Medical History, thus being able to determine "At Risk" or "Emergency Related" cases, the surgery may then have better management of the appointment system by reducing "Emergency Appointments" being given to those who have exaggerated their condition to get one and allow those who are genuinely vulnerable but too polite or decent to say they require Medical assistance that is imminent and NOT in Two Weeks time! I realise this a fine balance but surely it is worth a try in order to help resolve some of the Appointment issues.