"My surgery"

My surgery used to be very efficient, well organised and felt so safe (you could expect a general appointment within 48 hours).

For about nine months now it is almost impossible to contact them over the phone. There is not even a message to make you wait: just the" engaged" ring tone.

Sometimes I. ve tried 30 to 40 times in a day without success.

I would say I've come through 3 times over the past 9 months (for a family of 5: 2 adults and 3 children). When there is need for an urgent appointment, I have to go/drive in person, queue up for the receptionist (there used to be 2 or 3 )who will ask another member of staff (nurse or GP) to call me back later in the day for triage, and maybe an appointment.

The online appointment booking is fine but no appointments before 2/3 weeks now depending on whether you want to see your named GP or any other one at the practice.

Well I understand there are difficulties: but this is acute. How do elderly/disabled people manage with such a (lack of) system? How do I manage if I cannot move? We have to send for the doctor! This puts us back to the 19th century when there was no telephone!

Thank you Mr Cameron (or whoever it may concern) for this amazing progression toward a better, more efficient and more compassionate NHS! ! !