I have just moved to the UK (at the end of August) after 17 years living in France. I am finding myself very confused about the two health systems. For instance, I have pre diabetes and in France, had a blood test every three months, or whenever I requested one. Here I am told it will be 'near my birthday!' in other words once a year. In France there was a yearly appointment with a heart specialist, but when I asked about that the doctor just looked bemused and asked why I would want a heart specialist. At the moment I need to see a doctor and when I try to get an appointment, in a clinical practice where there are at least 8 doctors, I find there is nothing at all available for the next two weeks! I knew before we moved that the NHS wasn't great but I find it worse than I expected. What do people do here when they need a doctor? I want to see one soon, not in a couple of weeks. I will try a chemist instead.