"GP Appointment system failing the public"

I rang my surgery at the beginning May 2014 to make an appointment to see a GP. My appointment was made for two weeks hence in mid May. The day before the appointment I received a letter cancelling the appointment and asking me to ring the surgery.

I rang the surgery immediately on receipt of the letter at 2.30 pm and was informed that the surgery was closed. I rang the following morning and was offered an appointment in 10 days. I was asked if the appointment was an emergency which I judged it not to be. The receptionist apologized for the inconvenience.

I have thought since do I know the criteria for an emergency appointment with a GP and I admit I do not, especially after reading an article where a cough lasting longer than three weeks is classed as an emergency.

I eventually saw the GP two weeks after my original appointment. I have no complaints at all about the GP. I have been referred to a dietician and have as yet to receive an appointment date. I was told to expect a letter within a week to ten days. I will give it two weeks before I ring the surgery.