An artificial intelligence (AI) receptionist named Emma has been introduced at a North Lincolnshire GP practice to cut call waits - but not everyone wants to talk to her.
The Kirton Lindsey & Scotter Surgery introduced the advanced technology in November, tasking her with answer calls, collecting information and prioritising appointments.
Dr Satpal Shekhawat said the practice had previously received complaints from patients about call waiting times and wanted a solution where "nobody was 10th or 15th in a queue".
However, some patients have complained that Emma fails to understand dates of birth or the nature of call. Officials said she system would be refined in due course.
Under the new system, Emma asks a patient about their health problem or query before recording the answer for a doctor or member of staff to review. Most patients are contacted within two or three hours, the BBC was told.
