The truth about doctors' receptionists

Some may have a bad reputation for being rude, but there could be more going on behind the scenes than you realise...

- DR.HELEN

Right now in ‘GP Land’, there’s lots for patients to complain about – namely, lengthy waits for just about everything, from getting through on the phones to hospital referrals. But one complaint that’s stood the test of time is of ill-mannered GP receptionists – stereotypically assumed to be fierce and uncaring.

While I have witnessed this curt behaviour (as a patient and a GP), which isn’t acceptable, I also think GP receptionists are often misunderstood and largely undervalued.

TOUGH ON THE FRONT LINE