The things the OP mentions I refer to, when I say you can overlook or not, own prerogative.
If she were apologetic or it were a new short term receptionist, she could have communicated that to him herself. Mentioning a lame excuse to a member here knowing they'll post is what I think this is. I am not suggesting dishonesty, malice or anything on your part. I am simply saying it sounds like a trend for her, a bullshit made up excuse, and then she gives you that excuse with the intent that you say it here, so she doesn't have to, whilst her conveyor belt doesn't appear to be what it is, but rather a misunderstanding by her human resources/planning/reception departments.