"What's the point of appointments if people don't stick to them?"

I arrived at 15 mins early for my scheduled appointment at the Barony Practice.

The patient with the appointment directly before me arrived 8 minutes late for their time.

This was not addressed by the receptionist, and this patient was taken late.

15 minutes after my appointment I queried what was happening with the receptionist, who was unable to advise me.

35 minutes after my appointment time I was taken. So because I was considerate enough to be early for my appointment, meant I sat for 45 minutes. This was an extremely frustrating experience, and had repercussions on later plans I had made.

When I queried this, I was told that each person had a 15 minute slot, and if someone arrives in their allocated slot they will still be seen.

I would query how this makes sense. Particularly since the patient before me required a dressing to be changed. This was never going to be accomplished in 5 minutes. In fact, I would doubt that could happen in 15.

With the surgery having known what the appointment was for, she should have been given a double appointment, or told to reschedule due to her lateness.

What's the point of appointments if people don't stick to them?

When I queried it, it did not appear of importance, or that anything would be done about it. And no apologies.

I am frustrated because this is consistently an issue at this practice. I have never been seen at my allocated time.

Whilst I cannot fault my level of care, or the manner of the staff, I would not find this acceptable in any other service. It seems like the appointment system is at fault.