Why does a Receptionist need to ask what is wrong with me?

When our Receptionists ask a Patient why they want to see a GP, they are not being nosy or interfering, it is part of their role.

They are asked to ask and are trained to ask certain questions to ensure that you receive:

• the most appropriate medical care
• from the most appropriate health professional
• at the most appropriate time

Receptionists also do this:

• to help doctors prioritise visits and phone calls
• to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care
• to direct patients to see the nurse or other health professional rather than a doctor where appropriate

Reception staff, like their clinical colleagues, are bound by confidentiality rules:

• Any information given by you is treated as strictly confidential
• The practice would take any breach of confidentiality very seriously and deal with accordingly
• you can ask to speak to a receptionist in private away from reception

However, if you feel an issue is very private and do not wish to say what this is then the Receptionist will respect this.