Nearly seeing the GP

SIR – I agree with Dr Robert Walker (Letters, April 3) – it is no surprise how discontented the nation is with GP services.

Two weeks ago I had a face-to-face appointment with a nurse for my annual diabetes check. When it was complete she asked if I had any other problems. I told her I was having some bad back pain and she recommended a doctor’s appointment.

She went to the computer and asked if a certain date and time was OK. I agreed and the following Thursday I arrived at the surgery for my appointment. I checked in with the receptionist, who asked me to sit in the deserted waiting room.

A few minutes later she came over to tell me the appointment was by telephone and the doctor would ring me in five minutes. I left the surgery and a few minutes later I spoke to the doctor while I sat in my car, less than 20 yards away. If that is not ridiculous, then I don’t know what is.

Lee Brown

Hyde, Cheshire

SIR – At the next general election I will be asking for a commitment from the candidates in my constituency that access to my GP surgery will be guaranteed on my being able to book an appointment on the NHS app.

I am not convinced that time spent on a telephone triage with the receptionist and subsequent telephone conversations to discuss my request with a doctor is time well spent.

It is not surprising that so many are now using private health insurance. AF Gomes

Haverhill, Suffolk

SIR – Surely surgery catchment areas (Letters, April 4) are from the days when family doctors made house calls. When did you last hear of a GP visiting a patient at home?

With consultations now done by Zoom or phone, we could realistically register anywhere in Britain.

Glen Couper

Ascot, Berkshire