"Unable to book appointments!"

In the past I have generally been happy with the standard of patient care provided at the Hollybrook medical centre, however my recent experiences have changed my opinion. Occasionally I'm lucky enough not to wait on the telephone in a lengthy queue to speak to a receptionist, but my relief at having my call answered is short lived. It is now seemingly impossible to book an appointment to see a doctor or nurse. I am told to call back at 8am the next day when two appointments will be released!!! Telephoning at 8am to chase a couple of appointment slots isn't much help when your call is at the end of a long queue of other patients also wanting to book! Can I request a repeat prescription over the telephone? No, I need to visit the medical centre and fill in a form. Feeling surprised and a little bewildered, I decide to visit and book an appointment face to face. The waiting room is empty and everywhere is quiet. Again I am told there are no appointments. Really?? None at all?? I submit my request for a repeat prescription on a pre-printed scrap of paper and arrange access to the on-line service, optimistic that it will be the way forward. How wrong am I!! The online system tells me there are no appointments available to book in the next two weeks. No surprise, but what about three, or even four weeks onward? No, it is not possible to book that far in advance. I give up....! Anyone who is feeling particularly poorly and seeking a GP appointment at the Hollybrook Medical Centre must be left distraught by the unhelpful front end service. It is clear that there is ongoing investment in extending and refurbishing the medical centre building. It is wasted money and effort when they simultaneously wreck the service provision for their patients. It used to be so much better....