We just wanted to share this great video and information from NHS Sheffield CCG as it explains very well why our receptionists ask for a reason.
Don’t just think our receptionist is being nosy, and it’s none of her business.
Instead, she is trying to help you navigate to the right help for your problem first time.
For instance, if you have a musculoskeletal problem, it may be more appropriate if the receptionist offers you an appointment with a First Contact Physio instead of the GP. This saves you time as you won’t have to wait for the GP to refer you and wait to be seen after. Instead, the First Contact Physio will generally see you within days (sometimes even the same day).
Also, certain problems may require a longer appointment. And, if you have more than one problem to discuss, you will also need more than one appointment to ensure all problems get the attention they deserve.
Our receptionists and admin staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the clinicians in the surgery.
Please, help us to help you.
If the problem is a personal one, and you don’t want to share, that is okay too. However, it may mean your appointment won’t be as suitable for your problem as you had hoped. Not all GPs have the same interests, they may have religious objections to certain referrals (e.g. Dr. Lannon will not sign referral forms for terminations). GPs also don’t do cervical smears.
We hope you find it helpful to have a little insight into why our receptionists ask you for a reason for your appointment.
