ONE is ever mindful and appreciative of the extremely difficult and hard pressed time it has been the past two years for our NHS Service, especially for those on the frontline such as nurses and paramedics, but sadly in respect of the availability to see a GP or make an appointment with a medical centre it is a very disillusioning and frustrating situation.

After receiving a text to say to get in contact with the medical centre to book a yearly review of medication, after listening to a taped repetitive message for what felt like eternity, I actually spoke to a receptionist only to be told that appointments are fully booked and to try in a week or two’s time.

The request to also speak to my GP was also met with ‘there is no availability in the near future’ and a telephone conversation would be in over a week’s time.

I was also directed to an online form but hastened to add that I have tried that route to no avail, and that the option to do an online consultation was not given.

Having worked with people who have disabilities for many years I cannot but feel how difficult it would be for them to navigate such a system if able to at all.

One’s thoughts also go out to people who do not have a computer and feel even more isolation and distress.

What a sad situation we now find ourselves when life is stressful and worrying enough without having the comfort of knowing that our local GPs and Medical Centres are readily there to help and advise.

Is it no wonder that people are feeling let down with having to cope the best they can and giving up on trying to consult a GP or medical centre.

CHRIS COLLEDGE

Grand Marine Court, Bournemouth