March of the GP receptionist: Surgery staff across the UK are given half a day of ‘care’ training and ordered to cut down the number of appointments

‘Patients trying to see a GP are being screened by receptionists in a controversial scheme designed to cut the number of appointments.
Under an NHS drive to free up doctors’ time, clerical staff are being trained as ‘care navigators’.
They are being sent on a half-day course and taught how to direct patients to other health professionals, including nurses, pharmacists or physiotherapists.
The scheme was devised to reduce ‘avoidable’ appointments and is gradually being adopted by surgeries across England.
GPs say up to a quarter of consultations are unnecessary and taken up by patients who could look after themselves at home or see another health professional.
But campaigners say it is ‘absolutely ridiculous’, adding that patients are upset at having to discuss personal health matters with a receptionist, in earshot of the waiting room.
There are also concerns that staff will overlook serious symptoms or put people off from trying to make an appointment in the first place.’
Read more: March of the GP receptionist: Surgery staff across the UK are given half a day of ‘care’ training and ordered to cut down the number of appointments