"Disappointed at a time I most needed a listening ear"

It recently took me 4 attempts to get a single appointment with a GP. I initially wanted a double appointment with a GP I have seen previously but none were available. I then asked for a single appointment but none were available with any GP at the practice as the next block of appointments 2 weeks hence had not been opened.

I was offered the opportunity to get an emergency appointment where a triage GP would call me back and decide if that was convenient. I didn't need an emergency appointment and as I was returning to work it would not have been appropriate for me to have a discussion with a GP about confidential medical matters.

When I eventually saw the GP for my appointment I felt it was rushed and after a few minutes I was told that I had 30 seconds to decide whether to accept a prescription or make an appointment to see a CPN. I reluctantly left with the prescription in my hand but 4 weeks on have not taken it to the chemist.

Having been with the same GP practice for all of my life and been satisfied with the service I found the whole process so disappointing at a time when I most needed a listening ear.