Totally agree. The newbie I spoke to and met on reception was so nice, kind, helpful, thoughtful, it was a pleasure to deal with her. Thought I wasn't at FHRGP, but somewhere else.
However "some" of the old guard are still holding out, being as difficult, belligerent and unhelpful as ever as the "gate keepers", its a shame they can't appreciate that we are patients who are responding to their initial contact made out of the blue by the surgery. i.e. being told they "wanted" me to have a blood test without a coherent explanation as to why. Wouldn't mind if it had been as a result of a consultation, but when it comes out of the blue and the receptionist fails to introduce herself properly, I become somewhat suspicious.
The pre-booked blood test appointment system at the Tessa Jowell Centre has bedded in and runs well on the last tow attendances, well done to them. Virtually no queues, lovely staff so all good.