"Dire Appointment System"

Trying to make an appointment for an annual checkup for 2 wks. Phoned last week & told a letter had been sent in July but this wasn't received. Been phoning as requested for two Mondays because that is the only time appointments are available. Phone continually engaged. If one is lucky enough to get through then all the appointments will be taken. This is the reason why A&E is so busy. It is also impossible to make an appointment online as this service is never available. I have visited the surgery and simply told to phone on Monday morning between 8.00 and 10.00 which is where my complaint started because the line is continually engaged. How can this be called a system as it is clearly not fit for purpose. My previous appointment was over 12 months ago and I am not someone who is always complaining at the surgery. Perhaps that is my mistake. It is a very frustrating situation for anyone to be in and if I am finding it daunting I can imagine how an elderly sick and frightened person will feel. If someone is living alone and really ill the last thing they will want to do is sit by the phone for hours on end with nil result.