"Too many patients, too few doctors"

I have been with this practice for about 30 years. It used to be a very efficient practice. Recently (last year) I was a temporary patient at a practice in Northumberland and it was then, due to their excellent care, that I realized how bad Beauchamp Health practice had become. Up to last September I worked full time as a teacher and it was impossible to get an appointment on the day, due to lack of appointments and even for the next three weeks! I often suffered from infections so wanted to discuss further and alternative treatments with my doctor (I was not even notified that my GP had changed). I gave up trying to arrange appointments and basically just suffered or saw the nurse (the nurses are excellent). In Northumberland a Doctor called me back 30 - 60 minutes after requesting an appointment and carried out a detailed consultation. In four weeks I spoke to the Doctor at least 6 times, got medication, received advice and even had a call from them just to see how I was. I was advised about further treatment which would have been arranged immediately were I not about to return to Essex. On my return, I was not able to speak to my "new" GP for at least 3 weeks and then had to email requesting an appointment about 3 times. I eventually spoke to a Doctor over the phone, who did give me advise on the way forward but then had to wait 3 months to get tested and am now waiting to arrange another phone appointment to discuss the results. Today I was told by a receptionist that my results were not in yet. Then I was told that they were but the Doctor hadn't read them yet and that I would be contacted if there were a problem. I tried to arrange a telephone appointment for this week to discuss the results and further treatment but was told to call back later in the week. I don't feel looked after or cared for by this practice and am not impressed by their service (apart from the nurses). The receptionists are often abrupt and unhelpful. I have experienced how an excellent practice works so why not this one? Frustrated and disappointed. Why doesn't someone do something about it?