"Diabetic with a chest infection"

I rang up at 07:59 one morning recently. I was third in the queue. I got through to a receptionist. I explained that I am diabetic and need antibiotics for a chest infection as i can't shake it. 

They very rudely informed me that booking appts had moved online. I said i am driving and i am always driving at 8am as i commute to work. I asked when the appts booking system changed and i was informed a couple of months ago. No letter, email or text message (the GP service provides all three of these services) to inform patients of this change in a "couple of months". 

I was advised to pull over and use my phone. I was on an A road with no hard shoulder (which would be an inappropriate use of this facility).

The prerecording makes it sound like they can still help you over the phone but clearly not. 

When i arrived at work i checked online which said the appt booking service was unavailable. I rang again, this time 9th in the queue.

When i got through again there were no appointments left.

I was advised for a chest infection i could be triaged by a pharmacist. I rang the pharmacy and they cannot assess or prescribe for chest infections.

Key point:

Atrocious communication on a change in service provision i.e. not informed (gone from telephone to online.)

Rude receptionist on the first call.

Second receptionist much kinder, but gave out wrong information.

All which have resulted in someone who has a harder time fighting infections having treatment delayed.