"Appalling "

If this is a backup to GP's then it's failing badly. Three days and many attempts each day to be told 'due to high levels of illness there is extreme shortage of staff'. Why visit and catch a disease that's infected the staff? Waiting on hold is on average 28-16 calls in front of you. When one needs help where do go? Not here and for God sake don't get ill after 18.00 hrs. Another example of the private sector taking millions from the NHS and giving almost nothing back. A review in to the branch and poor management/staff must be investigated as to why the performance is so poor to patients needing help.