"Good clinic - when you can get an appointment"

I've been a patient for a couple of years and have always found the staff helpful and efficient. However, getting an appointment is not easy. I recently tried to book an appointment with the nurse only to find they're on holiday and there won't be any cover. I therefore asked if I could see a doctor instead, only to be told all the six weeks ahead doctor appointments were already booked. This isn't the first time I've had difficulty booking an appointment and suggests the surgery needs more staff. I would expect the practice to arrange holiday cover for staff, and am surprised this doesn't happen. Being told I can't get an appointment so far in advance really isn't good enough.