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That’s 2.8 million people each month. So how can you make sure you get one of those elusive slots – and what can you do if you don’t think you are getting the care you require? If you don’t fancy queuing up outside your surgery before it opens, the answer is to turn to technology – and we don’t mean Dr Google.

Many GP surgeries are now using apps such as Patient Access and Evergreen Life, found in your smartphone’s app store, to give patients easier access to appointments.

Rather than continually pressing redial hundreds of times and hoping you’ll get through before all the appointments have gone, you will be able to access the booking system directly.

Just make sure you know when appointments are released each day and be ready to log in at that time – try later and you will quickly discover there are none to be had.

The apps also let you order repeat prescriptions, access your medical records and message your GP practice directly – which is great if you are among the four in 10 patients who have put off making appointments because they didn’t want to discuss their symptoms with a receptionist.

The alternative is to head to a walk-in clinic where you will need to sit and wait to see a doctor. Or call 111 to speak to someone about your issue who will ask about your symptoms and let you know what to do if you can’t see your family doctor. Nurse practitioners are trained specialist nurses who have additional qualifications beyond basic nursing training.

As well as being able to assess and examine patients, diagnose illnesses and advise on the best treatment for common conditions, they are also licensed to prescribe medication.

They can organise blood tests and other investigations and will refer you back to the doctor if they think your condition is complex. An appointment with a nurse practitioner is a great place to start if you can’t get an appointment with a GP straight away. her clinical opinion. But be warned, y guaranteed same-day service. “The pro always straightforward,” advises John K of policy at The Patients Association. “Y be waiting months for a referral to doctor, especially during particula

periods for the NHS, such as