"Great service when you can get an appointment"

I've been a patient at this practice for around a year. I am a generally healthy person, albeit with a well-managed chronic condition. I have had a few problems recently, not related to my existing condition.

I reckon I've tried to book an appointment to see a GP about 3 or 4 times over the last year. Every time I call (and this has been spread out over the year) I am told that they are short staffed and can only deal with emergencies. Every time! I understand that the NHS is under a lot of stress, but it seems to be relentless and this centre can't currently even offer the basic service expected of a GP. I still have never met any of the doctors.

One appointment I was booked in with a nurse instead of GP - she was lovely, but was unable to give me the advice and help I needed - I had spoken to the reception when booking that I needed a review of my prescription but this was ignored, the nurse wasn't able to change my prescription.

I have spoken to a GP by phone twice, and while this is better than nothing, it's difficult to diagnose a skin condition blindly! Currently a 5 day wait to even speak to doctor by phone.

I've had a brilliant service from the nursing team for blood tests, flu jab, etc. but there simply is just not enough medical staff.