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Yep can't disagree there. I always aimed to remember that the person on the other end of the phone is very likely also in a stressful position seeking help for some health issue. The implication of lying should never be a go to in such a situation and I'd have hoped it would be easy to have checked anyway, the receptionist can see all the records written by the practitioner (at least I could on all of the systems I ever used) and in my eyes it should be common practice that they note a follow up appointment will be required whenever mentioned to the patient.
Unfortunately I don't really have any answers either, I'd imagine a release on the strain across the whole system and as Stonehedge says, removing the commercial and financial requirements of healthcare would go a long way to making practices able to provide a higher standard and quality of care.
ric_a5-
removing the commercial and financial requirements of healthcare would go a long way to making practices able to provide a higher standard and quality of care.
The tories are obsessed with the idea that competition drives up quality. "Let the market decide". It does not, and will never, translate to healthcare.
To be fair, much of the GP reform came under Blair so its not just a Conservative thing.
Stonehedge
It doesnt really affect me but can be off putting for some, for example my partner was told during an appointment to call and book a follow up appointment, only for the receptionist to imply she was lying. I told her to call back and make sure she got her appointment but imagine others would not bother.
I'm in agreement with you, not sure what the solution is. Probably less overworked doctors, receptionists, nurses etc.