GP Receptionist Shares Reason They Ask Health Questions

Knowing that receptionists often get a bit of stick from patients, she said: "I cannot possibly speak on behalf of all other receptionists!

"I've met good and bad also, I cannot deny the fact there are some people who aren't suited to their roles."

The woman said she was happy to answer questions about her job and many people asked why receptionists asked about a patient's health problems before booking them.

She replied: "I never make a clinical decision! That's a fact.

"The triage I do is just making sure patients are being booked in with the clinician best suited to their needs."

She then went on to list a few examples, such as if the patient needs a B12 injection she will book them in with a nurse whereas if they say they need a service only the doctor can provide she will make sure they get to see one.

She added: "I make no clinical decision when triaging, just try to get patient in with the person best able to deal with enquiry. Saves time and appointments.

"I must add that I always ask, 'May I ask what it is regarding or is it personal?' To make it easy to just say personal as is their right."

She also said staff don't judge people who visit their GP regularly, although she can see how frequently someone does pop in.

She said: "Honestly, I would treat you exactly the same if you called weekly or once a decade - it's not my place to judge anybody.

"Somebody asked earlier if certain callers make me inwardly groan - I have to be honest and say YES but that's only when I'm up to my ears with work and desperate to get something sorted."

She went on to say she has 'no powers' over how the surgery she works at is run and that she is not a 'dragon gatekeeper'.

"I am just the messenger who passes on any messages and leaves the actual clinicians to use their judgement on how to deal with it," she wrote.

"I'm paid to listen and act upon any concerns that a patient raises."