I've been 'number one in the queue' for 40 minutes

[StampOnIt]

It always takes about an hour to get through to my GP surgery, you can do some things online but not others, you not allowed to just drop in to the surgery at the moment either.

I was over a year late getting my smear test because I had to keep giving up getting through to make the appointment.

Need to talk to them about an administrative thing today, quite urgent, I called at 8am, was apparently 9th in the queue, it's now 09:10 and I've been caller number 1 for 40 minutes .

Any bets on how much longer before I speak to someone?

I know this isn't the surgery's fault and is down to under-funding, but AIBU to think this is ridiculous?

It is ridiculous. They need to allow you to request more online if they're this bad at answering the phone.

They do, and it's a shame because I end up feeling more and more irritatedand then have to try really hard to stay polite once they do answer. Like I say, it's not the receptionists fault but it's no wonder they sometimes get rude callers.

Luckily I'm not at work today, but usually I, like most people, wouldn't be able to hang on the phone for over an hour!

If it's am admin thing why not call later in the day? Or are they one of those surgeries who only let you call at 5 minutes past 9 on the first Tuesday of the month without an r in it?

Finally got through! So a 1 hr 22 minute wait for a 1 minute call.

At least I can get on with my day now.

Isnt it 8am for same day/emergency spots?

I'd call at a less hectic time like 3pm and just ask for the next available smear slot.

@ColinTheKoala

If it's am admin thing why not call later in the day? Or are they one of those surgeries who only let you call at 5 minutes past 9 on the first Tuesday of the month without an r in it?

They do have different times to call for different things, but if you want any chance of an appointment in the next three weeks you have to phone first thing or they all go. I called at 10am once and was told off for not phoning earlier, I had tried earlier and had to give up to take the kids to school!

Annoyingly the thing I was dealing with (on behalf of my daughter) needed sorting ASAP, otherwise I'd definitely have waited until this afternoon.