My husband's GP receptionists were RUDE!

Yes, I've heard that finding an NHS dentist is very difficult and getting to be moreso. One medical practitioner at a time--now I'm off to research local dentists!

The dentist near me wasn't taking NHS patients.  So, I did have to pay.  Luckily it was just a cleaning every three months.

[MOD NOTE]

Off-topic comments have been removed.  Anyone wishing to discuss perceived rudeness in general should start a new topic or think very carefully about who they're going to be offending(possibly including their own spouse)

Does anyone have any idea how much (and how well) a private dentist would do with rebonding a chipped bonded tooth? Or is cosmetic care bad (and expensive) enough here to warrant waiting until I go to the States?

Can we add CLUELESS to this post?  My husband and I have tried to register at our local GP (who is accepting new patients) several times.  The first time, the very rude and disinterested receptionist's first remark was "you know, we only have one doctor here."  She then reluctantly informed us of what paperwork we'd need in order to register.  Came back another time, (they are only open 9am to 6pm MWF, and 9am to 1pm TTh, no Saturdays), with all our appropriate documents.  There was not another sole in the office and she said "we only do registrations in the morning."  Okay, so now we're supposed to take time off from work to do this?  I've come down with a sinus infection now, so called in sick, phoned ahead to check and went down to the GP's office to (hopefully) register.  This time there was a different woman behind the desk, who was at least semi-pleasant, but became flustered when I presented my American passport.  I had proof of address as well, but she said she didn't know if she could register me and started asking over and over where I lived, how long had I been here, how long was I staying, etc.  I showed her my NI card from the Isle of Man, and she said that was no good here in Scotland.  (I later looked at the back of the card that states "This National Insurance Number is valid in the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom")  I explained that I'd been working since I arrived and had used that number without a problem, and in fact am about to start a job in the local secondary school, i.e. working for the city council.  Then she started searching through my passport for some kind of "reciprocal stamp" which of course, isn't there.  Last thing she said was that she'd have to call "someone" to see IF she could register me!  However, as she was all alone she wouldn't be able to do it until later and I am to phone her between 5pm and 6pm to find out.  She didn't take copies of anything or give me any forms, so that means that I am going to have to take time off to try to register again!  This is not going to be easy as I'm beginning my new job on Monday and don't really want to ask for time off right away.  In the mean time, my sinus infection isn't going away, and even when I do get registered, I'll have to have an exam by the nurse first before I can even make an appointment with doctor.  I hate it here and I want to go home! Everything is a pain in the butt! 

GP receptionists can be difficult to deal with, especially when you are not feeling well.

Luckily, my doctors' receptionists are all sweetness and light, and are a pleasure to deal with.

If you're having a hard time registering and need some meds urgently, try an NHS walk in centre, where you can see a GP without an appointment.  Have a look at www.nhs.uk.  I use the one here in central Leeds every now and again, as it's open from 7am to 7pm, so I can pop in before work.  It's most convenient (and free of course!).

Thanks Yorkshire/Virginia.  I will take a look to see if there is one around here. 

Unfortunately, Scotland does not have walk in centres.  But am waiting for someone to call me back from the NHS to find out what I can do. 

Final outcome was this:   Phoned the NHS 24 and explained, to a very nice man, what my situation was.  He took my information, and said he'd have a nurse phone me back to speak with me.  She did, and was just as pleasant, saying she understood my frustration, and that having asked to see the doctor, they should have accommodated me.  Said she would certainly feel better if I saw someone this evening, and arranged for me to go to an after hours surgery at the local hospital.  My husband has gone off to see Celtic play Barcelona, so I braved it and went out in the car by myself for the first time since moving here to Glasgow!  Found the hospital all right, saw a nurse practitioner, who gave me a prescription, found a pharmacy to fill it, and then got lost coming home.  In the end I found my way back and have taken the  medication.  So, happy ending after all.......I just still need to register with a GP! 

Good news CT!!  hope you feel better  soon!

I hate it here and I want to go home! Everything is a pain in the butt! 

Easy, now. Everything is different (ie. foreign country) but can be mastered with a bit of patience.
 

As a starting point (Scotland's system is quite different from England's so this is the best I can do): ring 0131 275 6000 - that's the number for Practitioner Services. Ask them who you can speak to if you're having trouble registering with a GP. Apparently they are involved in "monitoring standards to ensures consistency in patient care".

Thanks AnneR.  I actually found the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website yesterday and emailed them with my experience.  I received an email back asking for more detail and asking if I wanted them to contact the GP's office.  I just wrote back and said not yet, as I still may try to register there and don't want it held against me. 

p.s.  I still hate it here.

Its a culture shock isn't it? You guys and girls have been so spoilt with good service...!

Doctors receptionists in the UK have gained an unfortunate reputation  for being a little fierce. They behave as if /and actually often are the gatekeeper or watchdog to the doctor,seeing it as their duty to filter who actually gets to see the doc and when.

Its ont all their fault though as often times,they are at the receiving end of constant demands and sometimes abuse so they do tend to harden their hearts a little.

The best way to deal with them as someone said is,kill them with kindness. Smile,be nice,explain your probablem. Gradually they will melt.

joe