My GP receptionist's ask 'why' patients want to see their Dr as practise policy.

We have to a econsult online, so it’s read by whoever. But when it was similar to you I would say a ‘it’s a woman’s problem’ or ‘I’d rather say in private please’

You don't get to see a doctor at mine without a reason via receptionist.

Mostly at mine people phone or online.

In your position having to ask in person I see no option, if you don't want to say its confidential and personal, than to carefully write down symptoms and reasons for a GP appointment.

There's a big sign at my GP's reception, which says that a private space is available if people want to speak the receptionist in confidence. I've used it.

I don't know how much training receptionists have now but ours certainly triage patients before deciding if an appointment is urgent (same day only) or can wait for 5 or 6 weeks for a routine appointment.
We can't just walk in and hope for an appointment.

My appointments are always made over the phone hardly have to wait long for them to answer.

Our receptionists are really good one time I thanked one and said I found them very helpful she said omg I think I m going to cry no one ever says anything nice to us I must go and tell the others I ve always remembered that and try to be as pleasant as possible
However I do make my appointments by email and find it very quick especially if you add a photo, if appropriate, nearly always get a same day ( if needed) with someone or a prescription in a very short time frame if they know what is wrong

tanith

My appointments are always made over the phone hardly have to wait long for them to answer.

Goodness.

A long rigmarole first then a voice says "You are number nine in the queue". Twenty minutes later you might get to speak to someone.

Can’t you do it by email ? Allira if I send an email by 8 am I have an answer by about 11 either to book me an appointment or give me a script or arrange a phone call with a doctor

BlueBelle

Can’t you do it by email ? Allira if I send an email by 8 am I have an answer by about 11 either to book me an appointment or give me a script or arrange a phone call with a doctor

Only for non-urgent appointments Bluebelle.

The General Medical Council state that "Respecting patient confidentiality is an essential part of good care". Asking you to share personal medical info in a waiting room IMO breaches confidentiality. I would write to the manager if I were you .

Have realised that GPS surgeries vary widely in different parts of the country. Where we live GPS surgeries are pretty dire, we used to think of changing practice but they all have terrible reviews. We often don’t get to see a GP but a nurse practitioner instead, there isn’t a choice, it’s what is available, that’s if we get to see anyone. We have to ring dead on 8 and are then told our place in the queue, the last time I rang was number 25 in the queue, I hung up.
The one time I really needed to see a GP I couldn’t get an appointment so was told by the receptionist to go to A&E.
That is how bad it is here.
Am shocked when I read of how good it is in other parts of the country. Can only say ‘lucky, lucky people.’

I think it’s dreadful having to explain to the receptionist the reason for your visit! I’ve never encountered this and would, like you, be extremely uncomfortable especially in front of a room of other patients also waiting. I’ve no wish to hear the reason for their visit, just as I’ve no reason for them to know mine. I’m not in the UK, though. I think this is extremely insensitive.

We are not allowed to make an appointment at reception. We can ring or book online. If you ring there is a long queue and you might get cut off. Online, you can now book an actual slot with a specific doctor! You have to give a brief reason, and they decide whether they need to see you or if a phone call will do.
This is a new system, and works well for non- urgent matters.

If you ring, I think it depends on who you are and how you behave. My late husband always got an appointment with a specific doctor without a long delay. He had multiple health conditions, and she knew him well. After he died I had a lovely phone call from her, and a card and note from the surgery. I can’t imagine they do that for everybody.
Some people are incredibly rude to the receptionists. Mind you, one of the receptionists is very rude to patients.

If only we could book online. Where I live it is the 25th in queue and worse, when I do wait, the phone keeps ringing. I have not seen a GP since before Covid. A few weeks ago I had an infected ear, was given antibiotics at A&E and my ear was inspected down the phone! Work that one out.

growstuff

There's a big sign at my GP's reception, which says that a private space is available if people want to speak the receptionist in confidence. I've used it.

Likewise at ours. Sometimes it’s just a case of going into the receptionists office, so you’re not announcing it through the screen and being asked to repeat things, but I have actually been given a private room on a couple of occasions.

I make (or try to) appointments by phone and we've had to explain the reason to receptionists for ages now. I hated it at first but am used to it now.
It's rare to be granted a face to face, but almost always it's just a phone appointment now, and even then it's usually a few days before the doc actually does phone.
I understand that the NHS is under pressure and I know how wonderful it is in many ways, but trying to see a GP these days is downright frustrating.

I went into my surgery to request blood tests, it took them 26 days to get back to me.
It’s quite astonishing.

Good grief Sago, that is terrible!

I just say it's an ongoing problem. Never had any further questions and it's the truth not me being coy.

Charleygirl5

If only we could book online. Where I live it is the 25th in queue and worse, when I do wait, the phone keeps ringing. I have not seen a GP since before Covid. A few weeks ago I had an infected ear, was given antibiotics at A&E and my ear was inspected down the phone! Work that one out.

Same for us.
We cannot see a GP.
Is outrageous.

We cannot make any appointments for anything! I haven’t seen a GP since before Covid I honestly believe us oldies don’t stand a chance at getting care. We have econsult which is switched on at 8am and by 8.05 won’t accept any further requests. I think all the whizz kids get any available appointments as they are quick on their iPhones. We are a small town BUT they keep building more houses and Drs can’t cope now.GP says contact 111 if urgent.

My gp has a lengthy recorded message when you phone, mostly trying to steer you onto online options.

The message does explain though that the "care navigators" will ask you about your problem so that they can ensure you see the right person.

It also says you don't have to say, if you don't want to.

Ours is e consult too. Last week I sent one in and I got a call back in a few minutes and an appointment a couple of hours later. I was amazed at the speed.

We are very lucky. Engage consult works a treat. You have to send the request in early but if it is urgent there is another route. Your request is acknowledged straight away and then before the end of the day you receive a phone call. If they think it’s urgent a face to face appointment is made for the same day or you have a telephone consultation. I have no complaints. I know we are lucky. Apparently the health centre in another nearby town is appalling.