"Booking an appointment"

I was advised to call the same day to book an appointment with my GP as they could not be booked a day or two in advance. Having called 20+ times in the morning I was advised that although appointments were available it would be better if I came in the afternoon, even making an appointment for then was not a possibility I would need to call again after 2PM thereby wasting more of my time and that of the receptionists - where is the logic in this?   I called again continually after 2PM and when eventually through was told no appointments were available.   I called in person shortly after to the (completely empty) surgery and was advised I could book an appointment for a weeks time or try their same day service from 8AM the next day.