"Telephoning for an appointment"

I telephoned the surgery this morning at 8am for an appointment and had to wait 30 minutes to be answered.

In my opinion, this is an unacceptable length of time to be holding on and listening to the incessant music and announcements asking one to hold on.

I have been a patient with this practice since 1973.

Until about a year ago, one could get through within about 5 minutes at the most.

I note there is now only ever one receptionist on the desk whereas there used to be two, if not three.

If I was a mother with a sick baby or young child, I would simply not be able to hold on for this length of time and would go straight to Accident and Emergency.