"Positive treatment; negative access"

When dealing with GPs I have only ever had positive experiences. They are attentive and provide helpful advice with options for possible treatment.

Unfortunately it can be difficult to get access to the GPs as the reception desk can be unhelpful. I have phoned for appointments and been turned away without constructive advice on when I might be able to get an appointment. I have been twice told to phone back the following week and when I did this have again been told there is no availability. I have been trying to book a non-urgent appointment and the treatment from the reception I have had makes me feel like I don't deserve access.

I have tried the econsultation service to attempt to bypass this problem.

I understand practices are extremely busy but there should be more clarity about how appointments can be made and a procedure for non-urgent. Unfortunately the receptionists have come across as unsympathetic and give the impression that they just want you off the phone, which I am sure is not the impression they or the practice intend to give.