Reception Triage

Booking an appointment - what to expect

When you telephone the surgery to book an appointment, the Receptionist will ask you the following question:

  • "To help you make the correct appointment, I need to know a little more about why you need the appointment."

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The Receptionist may also ask both/either/none of the following two comments, depending on your response.

  • "It is not always necessary to see the Doctor, a Nurse/Healthcare Assistant may be more appropriate."
  • "Whatever you say will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

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This is because the Receptionist has a number of alternative types of appointments available to her, and she needs to offer you the most appropriate appointment to deal with your problem.

The most appropriate appointment may be with the GP for example, or perhaps with another member of the practice team.

In this way, on the occasion when you really do need to see a GP, there is more likely to be a free appointment for you.

 
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