Doctor or receptionist - somebody doesn't like things simple

Ruby isn't it better that doctors are balancing their lives by working part time and actually going on holiday now and then, than working themselves into an early grave or suffering burnout as they used to?
If we're in favour of women having the same opportunities as men, then we have to accept that there will be many women GPs. We also have to accept that they should have the choice to work part-time if they have children.
We really can't expect to have our own personal GP available to us every day of the week any more.

Monica etc our surgery has stopped people just turning up in person to book a same day appointment as 'it disadvantages people who dont drive'. Which it does of course
They dont have a proper telephone queuing system so you start ringingbat 8am and keep redialling to be told at about 8.15 there are no appointments left for the day. I have complained about this and had a meeting with the practice manager who says they cant afford a new system and yes they have difficulties recruiting GPs There is a walk in at our local hospital if you are desperate.She did also say if you can't get a same day appointment you can ask the receptionist to get a Dr to call you if you feel you really need to see someone and cant .get to the hospital
Online booking for non urgent is actually efficient. It brings up the GP with whom you are registered and any locums/temps .It's usually about a 5-10 day wait
The above does result in some farcical situations .Rang for an appointment for horribly painful and swollen finger-thorn from garden .No Dr appointment but 'nurse could see me '.I asked if nurse could give me antibiotics if need be (I knew my tetanus was up to date)and was assured yes.Saw nurse who said I probably needed antibiotics and had to call in Dr to prescribe.She hadn't asked me if my tetanus was up to date and hadnt checked on my records -which he did. It would have been simpler and quicker to give me a 2min appointment with him ..

Yes but JaneA what about the mantra of continuity of care? We too have the problem of having to redial to get an appointment instead of having a you are number 9 in the queue method. It is not expensive if your practice has 8 gps all on three day weeks and all earning £110 k. That doesn't wash.

Stansgran Continuity of care is obviously desirable from the patient's point of view, but it's an ideal and unless a particular doctor is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for each and every one of his or her patients, it remains an ideal and there are going to be occasions when patients have to see someone other than their favourite doctor.
I don't think for most patients it makes much difference. After all, if you go to an urgent care facility or A&E you are going to be cared for by someone other than your own GP.