"Diagnosis of a UTI"

I had pain and believed I had a UTI.  It was a Friday before a bank holiday weekend, so I needed to be seen and get some help before everything closed down for 3 days.  The pain was getting worse so, instead of phoning the surgery (where there is normally an hour's waiting time to get an answer), I got my husband to drive me and I went in person. 

Despite the fact that I knew I needed to get a urine sample tested in order to be diagnosed and get some antibiotics, the system, apparently, is that I have to have a phone call from a doctor.  The surgery could not deal with me, let me see a doctor or take a sample, even though I was on the premises.  They suggested I could go to the pharmacy.  My husband drove me to the pharmacy where they saw me but could not take a urine sample or prescribe anything.  They referred me to the doctor's so my husband drove me home and I waited for a call.   

I received a call and the doctor was very good and prescribed the antibiotics despite not having a sample, however, they wanted to be sure the diagnosis was correct so asked me to get a sample done when I collected my pills.  My husband drove me to the pharmacy to collect the pills and produce a sample.  The pharmacy, however, were not able to take or send off the sample so directed me back to the surgery, where, once again, my husband drove me. 

One and a half hours after the beginning of this saga, I was able to give my sample to the surgery for analysis.  What a crazy system; 6 journeys by car!  If the surgery had been allowed to let me see a doctor, or give a sample on my first visit, it would have cut the time and inconvenience down substantially.

I am in my 60s and apart from not being able to drive at the moment, reasonably able-bodied. I dread to think how my mother would have coped.  She would probably have end up in excruciating pain for 3-4 days or gone to A&E - such a waste of valuable resources.  I would be grateful if this experience could be passed on and something done to this ridiculous system.  Thank you.