If you think doctors have it tough… my tribute to GP receptionists

Dr Paul Muthiah.
Dr Paul Muthiah.

I had always thought my junior doctor days at the hospital were among the most painstaking hours any being had to endure: seven long nights in a row, clerking in, managing medical patients — it was gruelling, never-ending work.

It was always that much harder when the registrar on duty would go for a decent sleep, then meet the consultant for breakfast, and start the ward round as my 12-hour shift was supposed to be ending.