GP Access Expectations for GP Receptionists and Care Navigators

Kind, realistic communication about access, delays and next steps

  • Reputation

    No token earned yet.

    Reach 50 points to earn the Peridot (Trainee Level).

  • CPD Certificates

    Certificates

    You have CPD Certificates for 0 courses.

  • Exam Cup

    No cup earned yet.

    Average at least 80% in exams to earn the Bronze Cup.

Launch offer: Certificates are currently free when you create a free account and log in. Log in for free access

Frustration, complaints and feedback

Receptionist speaking with older male patient at desk

When access problems lead to anger or loss of trust, reception staff should acknowledge the person's frustration and explain the correct feedback or complaints route. Staff should not try to investigate a complaint during an access call.

Keep two things separate: the person's immediate healthcare need, which still requires the correct clinical process, and their concern about the service. Both matter but are handled differently.

Complain for change

Video: 2m 20s · Creator: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. YouTube Standard Licence.

This Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman video uses a GP appointment-booking scenario to show how dissatisfaction can arise when a person's access needs are not understood. Joe asks for a longer appointment because he needs more time to understand what the doctor tells him, but the receptionist treats the request as if longer appointments are only for multiple problems.

The video explains that a person with a learning disability may need more time with their doctor and gives this as one example of why someone may be unhappy with healthcare. It says people may feel dissatisfied if a clinician did not listen, did not show respect, or did not give information in a way the person could understand.

It also notes that people can complain if they are unhappy with the service or treatment they receive from a GP, nurse, dentist, optician or hospital. The closing message is that complaining can lead to improvements, and the video signposts viewers to the Ombudsman's Complain for Change information.

Was this video a good fit for this page?

Keep the two tracks clear

  • Listen and acknowledge the frustration.
  • Continue to handle the current health request safely.
  • Record service concerns according to local policy.
  • Give the feedback or complaints route if the patient wants it.
  • Escalate abuse, threats or staff-safety concerns.

A complaint about access does not remove the need to handle the patient's current health request safely.

Scenario

A patient says, "I want to complain, but I also still need help today." They are upset after several failed attempts to get through.

What should you do first?

 

Ask Dr. Aiden


Rate this page


Course tools & details Study tools, course details, quality and recommendations
Funding & COI Media Credits