Health

GP Receptionists Reveal Secret That Could Save You From the 8am Phone Panic

Published on June 16, 2025

We’ve all done it. Feeling rough or worried about a loved one, and there you are staring at your phone, waiting for the clock to strike 8am on the dot, hoping to get through to your GP surgery before the appointments vanish. That early morning call frenzy has become part of British life. But here’s the thing the people actually answering those phones say there’s a much better way.

GP receptionists, often wrongly branded as gatekeepers or nosey question-askers, are now speaking out and sharing their own insider advice to help patients get seen. With nearly 3 million people a month struggling to contact their local GP, they’re pushing back on the bad reputation and showing they’re actually keen to help — if only people knew how to approach it better, reported the Mirror.

One of the biggest secrets? Skip the phones altogether and just go in person. Tracey Jetts, a 61-year-old receptionist at a Doncaster GP surgery, said it bluntly: you’re far “more likely to get an appointment that way.” She explained that while you might still be pointed towards a pharmacist or booked for a later slot, at least you’ll speak to someone face-to-face and won’t be stuck listening to hold music for half an hour.

Another receptionist added that turning up in person lets them gauge how unwell someone seems. “We’re not doctors, but we can tell when someone is struggling,” she said. And if you’re prepared to wait a bit, there’s always a chance something will open up.

If going in person isn’t an option, there are other ways to boost your chances. Try calling in the afternoon, especially on a Tuesday. It’s often calmer, and there’s the bonus that cancellations sometimes pop up or new slots get released if a GP ends up with more time. One Cardiff GP shared a story about a patient who called for a blood test in the afternoon and bagged an appointment instantly — something that wouldn’t have happened if he’d called in the morning rush.

Avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can. Receptionists across the country agree that midweek is your best bet, with Tuesdays often being the quietest.

And while many patients grumble about being asked why they want to see the doctor, explaining what’s going on — and how it’s affecting your life — can make a big difference. “Saying how something is affecting you, rather than just the problem itself, is often a good way of showing us how urgent it is,” said Mrs Jetts. “If you’re not sleeping, if it’s affecting your work, driving, or caring for your kids — that needs to be dealt with quickly.”

One particularly helpful phrase? Try saying “this is not normal for me.” It tells the receptionist it’s a new and potentially serious issue, which often bumps it up the priority list. And if it’s an emergency, don’t be shy — say so. One receptionist admitted all she needs to hear is “it’s an emergency” to unlock one of the last-minute appointments.

Lastly, don’t roll your eyes if you’re referred to the pharmacy. Conditions like UTIs, ear infections, insect bites or sore throats can often be sorted by your pharmacist — and a lot faster than waiting to see a GP.

So next time you need help, maybe skip the 8am phone lottery and try a smarter route. Your health — and sanity — will thank you.

Don’t Miss These: