HEADLINES often highlight unhelpful health centre receptionists who refuse patients’ appointments, sometimes with tragic consequences.

One health centre in Oxford insists people explain their symptoms to a receptionist before a GP calls them back for an assessment and possible later appointment. A shortage of doctors and a growing elderly population has forced this decision. Health centres vary but at my local Heaton Medical Centre the receptionists are incredibly helpful, going out of their way to get GP assistance if needed. Plainly, it’s the luck of the draw.