WHAT a palaver to get a doctor’s appointment these days.

I rang my medical centre this morning to be told they had nothing available but if I rang back at midday, there might be a slot in the afternoon or evening surgery.

I was offered a regular appointment for next week. I said I’d call back at midday.

I never expected to get a same-day appointment, or one for few days, as that is the norm nowadays. My condition isn’t life-threatening.

In the meantime, I had to go to a shop a few doors down from the medical centre. As I had a repeat prescription to take in, I asked about an appointment. The receptionist gave me a regular appointment for exactly one week’s time.

Apparently there are slots each day for a same-day appointment. I asked if I could have one. “No,” said the receptionist, “but if you would like to ring up each morning and midday between now and your regular appointment, we may be able to fit you in.” Well I ask you, the mind boggles.

As I had called in before 11am, I made a point of looking in the waiting room only to find it completely empty. I can only assume that morning surgery had finished. I did ring back at midday, but was told all slots had gone.

One can understand when one hears of patients going to A&E if they are unwell and cannot get past the KGB in reception.

MICHAEL CLARKE, Lewell Avenue, Old Marston