"Access to GP appointments"

This story has been posted by Healthwatch Tameside on behalf of a member of the public who asked not to have their name published. They said…

Lady in her 80s. When she needs a doctor’s appointment she has to phone at 8am. It is either engaged or goes unanswered when it finally rings. Patients can go to surgery at 7.30am but she would find this difficult, and could not go out when it’s dark at that time of day. She has thought of changing doctor, but fears they are all as bad, from what her family tells her. Has to rely on son and grandson to help with access to appointments, which she doesn’t want to do.