"Access to GP at busy times of year "

I live in Great Dunmow, Essex. Having recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure my GP has put me on tablets but I feel they have only helped a little bit.

I have been very well in the past to quite recently so am concerned and worried.

My GP surgery has reffered my to Cardiology for an urgent refferal, it scares me that the appointment I have which is the earliest is February 2013.

My GP told me I need to see them every week until they can stabilise this at a lower level which they are happy with. I have been told to phone on the day to book an appointment yet every day I ring I am told there is nothing available. They have told me that GPs do not work in the afternoon this week. So if this is the case I wonder why is a Locum not employed to cover the busier weeks when GPs want time off.

I am feeling fed up, angry and let down with the access to services. This needs to improve. I know they are busy, but this does not seem an excuse.