GPs work alongside a wide range of health professionals in local practices/surgeries and health centres. You don't always need to see your GP and your practice may recommend that you see another health professional who is part of the practice team. Reception staff are trained Care Navigators, providing them with information will allow them to ensure that you are seen by the most appropriate health care professional who can best address your needs in a timely manner. 

The different roles include:

Psychological Health Practitioner (PHP)

Practice Pharmacist

Identification and Referral to Improve safety (IRIS) Project Manager

Practice Paramedic

Practice Nurse

Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Reception staff are trained Care Navigators and so providing them with information will allow them to ensure that you are seen by the most appropriate health care professional who can best address your needs in a timely manner. A GP is not the only person who may be able to help you and many practices have other staff as part of a multi-disciplinary team, such as Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists that may be more suited to deal with your needs. The receptionist will ask you a range of questions to help understand the issue and will direct you to the best healthcare professional who is most suited to deal with your needs.