SPARE a thought for the doctor's receptionist.

Not only do they have to try to decipher the average GP's handwriting, they then have to try and fathom the medical language.

No mean task and that is why 23 receptionists from the Chester-le-Street and Durham area have taken part in a two-day course on the origins of medical terminology.

The group was also presented with awards yesterday at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre for learning how different systems work in the human body, about common procedures carried out in hospitals and various medical abbreviations.

The course was organised by Theresa Huddart, Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust development facilitator.

She said: "All the GP receptionists that took part in the programme said they learned a lot in a fun and interesting way.

"They also felt able to go back to their practices with enthusiasm, increased knowledge and skills.

"It was enjoyed so much that it is to be repeated in May and November of this year."