"Out of hours GP was brilliant"

Last weekend NHS direct arranged for me to get my breathing checked at the Cheltenham hospital out of hours service at 10:30pm. Arrival was straightforward. Over an hour later the out of hours GP explained very well to a complaining couple, that there was already an hour delay when they took over the shift earlier that evening, and that some patients required longer care than anticipated. I am not medically qualiffied, but I find such patients uneducated of how appointment delays actually occur and how patients themselves would not expect to be sent off prematurely just so each and every patient can be seen on time. I thought the GP handled these patients very well and respectfully, a shame the same could not be said for those particular patients themselves. I do think however, the process for patient arrivals should respect patients time by making delays clear to patients ... I patiently was waiting an hour and a half before I was made aware through overhearing a conversation. A simple mention at reception on arrival would have been better. Otherwise, great GP who finally was able to help me at 12:30, when the shift was clearly supposed to finish at 11:00pm. Thank you for professional and attentive service to the wonderful GP.