My GP surgery has changed it's booking system for the 4th time in 2 years. On the website, it says call x number to book an appointment. At 8.30 am this morning - the hour they open (before that you just get voicemail) - I call. I spent three hours in a telephone queue, and by the time I got through there were no appointments left, and there is no advance booking (ie for next week.) The receptionist - who also does triage to decide if you need to see the doctor - suggested I try again tomorrow.
I work from home some days, so can do this (just) - what about all those who cannot spend hours on the phone hoping that you might get an appointment that day?
Apparently the mental health person could have seen me, but they couldn't prescribe HRT, which is why I want to see the doctor.
I know the situation is dire right now - I've been waiting 3 years for physio for DS, who was referred by GOSH as the issues were caused by chemotherapy he had - (I've now gone private for him - but cannot afford to do the same for myself, as well.) But how is someone who is, say, a teacher meant to see a GP? Or someone who works in a shop? You can't even take a day off with a guarantee that you'll succeed in being seen that day.