[Osem]

I was listening to a phone in regarding GP services this morning and it apparent that there's a huge variance in appointment making procedures which is a big factor in how difficult it is to get to see a GP at a reasonable time. Our surgery has expanded greatly in the last 10 years but it's still possible to get a same day appointment and they also offer a ring back service where a GP will call to discuss your problems the same day. If you want to see a specific GP at a convenient time that may involve a delay of a week or two but if it's an urgent problem one of the other options would be available.

Having listened to all the callers it seems some surgeries have really efficient procedures which offer a range of alternatives for those wanting to consult a GP whilst others operate systems which are frankly inefficient and even amateurish. I can't understand why there isn't a nationally imposed model for handling appointments which reflects best practice because it's evident that some (maybe many) surgeries are falling way short of what they could offer their patients. It seems to me that might be a very good place to start the process of getting the best from the available resources.