"Available appointments - or lack of."

I rang yesterday for an appointment for my 89 year old Dad. Initially rang at 8.00 a.m. got through and was no. 2 in the queue, i was still no. 2 in the queue 10 mins later so cancelled call as i thought it was not right not moving up.

I rang again but phone busy for 6 more attempts, finally got through again. You are no. 2 in the queue - this message never changed for 25 mins i was holding, eventually spoke to someone and told no apts you will have to call 111.

We rang 111, they took details then said someone would call back within next 7 hours. Luckily an hour later 111 returned our call - took full details again. They spoke to GP at our practice and we were told a text link from GP would be sent.

By this time it was after 12 noon. Completed text link questions and returned awaiting a telephone call from GP. = no return call.

Today once again rang GPs - no. 19 in queue, but the number did go down eventually to no. 1 in the queue. After over 25 mins holding I spoke to someone and was told no apts available only routine which would be in one months time.

Explained about 111 yesterday and text form from GP being returned but nothing back.

Offered a 2 min telephone triage call with GP at some point this morning.

Finally got a call in reply to yesterdays text form and an apt given for later this morning in person at surgery.

My 89 year old Dad is lucky that I am able to do this phoning around for him, but I feel sorry for the elderly having to try do this. The system is not fit for purpose. I know the staff try their hardest and can only book a set number of apts, but when the phone system is not working correctly (I was told they are looking into getting it changed), not enough apts available, being told by GP surgery to phone 111 who then after speaking to two different people 111 ring the GP surgery and speak to GP.

It seems as though the surgery is over subscribed - how can you know one month in advance that you are going to be unwell?

Maybe another new surgery is needed in the area to cater for the over subscription of patients.

Why is it so different to years ago when you could get an apt same day or a few days later?