"Fantastic GPs, appointment system still needs..."

I fully understand GPs are not the miracle workers a lot of people think them to be, but it was one GP here, not sure if I can name the doctor but if the doctor reads this they will know what I mean!. The doctor was involved in the immediate care of my husband when he developed Cauda Equina Syndrome, a dangerous and rare spinal condition.

If the whole process involved in my husband's subsequent medical care had been as efficient as this GP, then he may not have the complications he has today. This GP's follow up care for my husband has been second to none.

My only quibble is the phone lines. While the new queuing system is a tad better than the one before, I feel it may exclude people on low incomes and those who only have PAYG mobiles or rely on borrowing other people's phones to make calls to the surgery. I called once and was position 108!. I landed up at A&E before with my mystery complaint because once I did get through, all that day's appointments had gone in the space of just 10 minutes. It was quite frustrating.

I also feel there are a lot of time wasters on the books, people who DNA, and do it multiple times. Perhaps if these people were warned and removed if they keep on not attending, it would free up the system for those who need it. I have never been on a day where someone's name hasn't been called and they haven't been there.

With the emphasis on keeping people out of A&E if they really don't need to be there, I feel it should not be this difficult to make a GP appointment. It feels like a lucky dip.

Also it's next to impossible to access a GP of your choice and I feel this is important sometimes for people with ongoing issues. It can be quite draining having to keep explaining things, but I am not fussy, if I need to see a GP, any GP is fine.

I feel for the reception staff sometimes. It's not their fault and they must get so much gyp from irate patients.

All in all, very professional, polite and caring surgery.