Interview with a hospital receptionist

Many people think that hospital receptionists are dragons behind a desk: they are unsmiling, curt and unhelpful. But what is it really like to be on the front line? We spoke to Emma Smith, a receptionist at a large London hospital.

Can you tell me about your main responsibilities?

My main duties are to (приветствовать и помогать пациентам, когда они

приходят в больницу), (назначать приемы), and

(регистрировать информацию о пациентах) и (заводить и хранить карты пациентов).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working as a hospital receptionist?

I really like helping people. My knowledge of (медицинская

терминология и сокращения) can make (напуганные пациенты) feel at ease. More than that, I have flexible working hours and am a part of a close and hardworking team.

But I should say that my work is rather stressful. We have about 400 patients a day, so it’s sometimes hard to be (спокойный и дипломатичный, когда пациенты раздражены).

What has been the greatest achievement of your career?

When I started my career I was very shy but soon I became more communicative and I have made a lot of friends.

VOCABULARY A bad handwriting

17. Match the words with their Russian equivalents.

1. fatal errors	a) ампутировать конечность
2. get worse	b) щитовидная железа
3. wasteful	c) выписывать рецепт (на лекарство)
4. digital technology	d) ухудшаться
5. administrative staff	e) административные сотрудники
6. solution	f) оштрафовать
7. cause delays	g) цифровые технологии
8. fine	h) решение (проблемы)
9. court	i) непоправимые (смертельные) ошибки
10. amputate a limb	j) суд
11. thyroid	k) быть причиной задержек
12. prescribe/write a prescription	l) расточительный