Our reception team are highly valued members of the practice. Our GPs have asked reception staff to gather some information when patients contact us so that they can help direct you to the most appropriate healthcare professional or service. In many cases, it may not be necessary to see a GP first, and the receptionist may be able to guide you to the right person to support your needs.
This approach is known as Care Navigation and is designed to help you receive the right care as efficiently as possible, without unnecessary delays.
Reception staff ask specific questions so they can ensure you receive:
- The most appropriate care
- From the most suitable healthcare professional
- Within the most appropriate timeframe
This process can be particularly important, and in some cases life-saving, when patients present with urgent or serious symptoms.
We understand that discussing personal information can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Please be assured that our reception team, like all members of the practice, are bound by strict confidentiality rules. Any information you share is treated with the utmost care and privacy, and any breach of confidentiality would be taken very seriously by the practice.
Our reception staff are often the first point of contact and work hard to support patients as effectively and compassionately as possible. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide safe and timely care for everyone.