"Timekeeping only applicable for patients not GPs"

I received a text message on 12th July from the surgery that I have a telephone appointment with the GP on the 19th July at 19.15.

I further received a reminder text on 18th July.

On the 19th July, Wednesday, I had prepared myself for the phone call readjusting my tutoring session to finish before 7pm, so that I will be available for the call at 7.15pm. I do tutoring sessions for a living.

At 6.34 pm, I received a call from a Private number, while I was teaching with a student. I cannot take personal phone calls while working, which would be unprofessional. There was a voicemail left that it is the doctor calling to check how I am doing and will call me back in 5 to 10 minutes. The lady doctor called me at 6.41pm. I couldn't take the call as I was still working. She left a voicemail that I should make another appointment.

I very well know how hard GPs work & that their schedules are full. But that does not mean that patients don't have a life and jobs to do. We are equally leading hectic lives like any GP juggling work, family & personal life. It would be nice if GPs can think of themselves as patients when they are unable to take calls from doctors who don't follow timings.

Many thanks