"Absolutely disgraceful!"

Nearly 1 and a half hours on hold (10 minutes of which was spent ringing through when the came out of the queue) only to be told that there were no appointments left as the surgery was closed this afternoon... I had been advised by the GP to call again today if my symptoms had not subsided, but was helpfully informed by the receptionist that I should call 111.

Every time I have tried to use the e-consult facility over the last few months, it has not been open. It is apparently available between 8am and 10am on weekdays, but I have tried using it during these times only to find it closed. Apparently they close it when they reach a certain number.

The overall system is clearly broken and is being run in a way which puts people off trying to get health issues resolved. I am utterly fed up with the cold, unhelpful manner of the majority of the receptionists who man the phones and will be looking into transferring surgeries (which is probably exactly what they are looking for people to do).

Very disappointing, especially as in the past I have had nothing but good things to say about the practice - post-COVID, it has taken gone so far downhill, I wonder if it will ever recover or even if it wants to.