Over the last 3 weeks I have noticed a trend. Nobody returns calls these days.

Psychiatrist- I need a prescription refilled, been trying for 3 weeks to get this done, he has no office or receptionist and works out of outpatient psychiatry at the hospital so closest you can get to the doctor is the reception desk, I have left multiple messages and nobody returns the call, I called today again, and they said, the doctor knows, but hasn't sent one in yet. Atleast today they kind of had an answer, but they or the doctor never do call back.

Various job centers, the province funds a program called Job Options BC and various employments centers have them, and some run ads for orientations, but you have to call to sign up, problem is, all I ever get is a voice mail, but nobody ever calls back. Today I called to try to sign up again as there is an orientation tomorrow (they just don't put the time or location in the ad.) and did speak to a human, but it was just a receptionist, and all she could do was take my name and number, and said somebody would call. Nobody did call.

A job center specifically for those with mental health issues, they just don't answer the phone, goes right to voice mail that says leave name, number and we will call you back in the same week, I've been leaving a weekly voice mail, but so far nobody has called back.

Its beyond annoying, especially when you need services these places offer since they are more or less the only options for the unemployed who are not on EI who are in need of a job, but struggle to find one.

Rant over.

It's just you, they're out to get you and that's why they won't return your calls

Seriously though, if I've received a call I will return it, and / or follow up with a quick email too.

It's hard to get a call back here as well.

I kept calling a doctor to find out why a promised referral hadn't arrived. The assistant's message says she will get back to you, but she never does. When I finally got hold of her (my call) I did ask why she doesn't call back, answer, "I'm talking to you now."

Good luck J, sounds like things are still difficult for you at the moment.

I have often been 'just the receptionist' since my arrival in Canada....yes I have tried to ensure that people returned the calls. This country is getting me somewhat cross in certain aspects of its professionalism...they really could step up to the mark a little more in many ways. At the same time they give themselves a ten out of ten

Yes, they do think they are pretty splendid and so make no effort to improve. I have to wait 4 weeks for the result oif an echocardiogram, i am not worried as i know it is normal but many others would be worried

I can't comment on returning calls as i rarely use the phone.

Bats....normal people face situations - that seem to me - that are quite silly/unacceptable on a daily basis...but nobody seems to revolt? Why? This would not be acceptable in other circumstances and in, certain situations would lead to many complaints were it not in Canada

I experience the opposite. People can be relied upon to call back.

Unfortunately I don't like it that way. For a variety of reasons, phone calls are a bit of a nuisance and a possible health risk.

I'd rather choose my moment to make a call, but better still talk via email.

My rant is with people who don't respond to an email (why does their website have an email contact feature?) or do, but ask you to call them or offer to call me when I just need some basic information.

A special pat on the back for medical admin staff, municipal and provincial staff (not fed staff) and my handyman

Ah...the old "that's the way it is" response.

As my wife keeps saying whenever I rail against this and that, "it's Canada."

She keeps telling me I'm applying my British logic.

i do not understand

health risk

Cos that's the way they have always done it. It is the Canadian way.

I certainly do prefer email, and certainly wish more places utilized email over phones, but phones still seem to be the preferred method for most places.

I've got to say the GP I see at a walk in clinic is top notch, she always calls when test results come back, had blood work done yesterday, got a call around 5:30pm today from the doctor, she wont provide the results (although they are accessible online.) over the phone, but she will tell you if you need a follow up with her over the results or that no follow up is required.

Good doctor, just wish she was going to be a permanent GP as she is one of the best docs I have ever had.

Just don't answer the phone. I wasn't able to for many years and now i don't like to. I never call antone up for a chat which rather limits your social world but i get by. I agree about people nit responding to emails, at least now Canadians seem mlore clued up on texting.

I should have said it was peculiar to our household - an existing health issue not helped by unexpected phone calls.

Oh don't get me started on this! This has been my pet peeve lately too. I prefer emailing to calling as well, but even so, this one lady has been so elusive that I gave up and moved on.

Won't work, I'm afraid.

My wife has several health problems (nothing terminal or anything like that) and gets much of her best sleep in the mornings. Aside from having that sleep disturbed by a ringing phone and voice, if it rings at an inconvenient moment for someone else to answer, she will determinedly move to answer it, risking a fall or something else falling.