"Don't get ill"

I've experienced issues accessing services here before, not helped by some (but not all) reception staff being curt and dismissive at times. Once you get to see a doctor, the service is as you'd expect, but it's getting to that point... For a non-urgent appointment, you have to book four to six weeks ahead; for an urgent appointment - well, you understand why people go to A&E. Last time I needed this, the only way I could get to see a doctor was to be sent to another practice five miles away. Lucky I was fit enough to drive.

My experiences this morning were the last straw. I had some blood tests done, and when I visited the Surgery yesterday I was told that the doctor wanted to talk to me about the results, and I should phone for a telephone appointment. So I called this morning.

Calls open at 8:30 so I called within a minute or two of this. The first 31 times I dialled I got an engaged tone. On the 32nd attempt, I was told I was 13th in a queue. The call had been going for just over 21 minutes before someone answered. Then I was told all appointments were taken and I'd have to call again tomorrow. That's the best part of an hour of my life totally wasted. I'm lucky in that I don't feel too bad, but for someone who is feeling unwell that would be very stressful. Hell, it stressed me enough! If I had high blood pressure, it would be through the roof after that experience.