Thank you for your feedback. We understand the frustrations that an appointment system holds and the basic platform for comments as you point out. We encourage our patients to build relationships with at least two clinicians to ensure continuity of care in the case of absence of our team members- as you mention Dr Patel has been on long term sick leave but we are pleased that she has now returned to work in a reduced capacity. We offer a variety of ways to contact doctors here at the practice- on the day, in advance, Saturday mornings, urgent overflow clinic twice a day and telephone consultations. Further information can be found at: http://www.capelfieldsurgery.co.uk/making-appointments.aspx We would encourage telephone contacts in the first instance to facilitate initial communication with our doctors should it be a struggle for you to book an appointment that works for you around your caring role rather than if desperate. We understand the difficulties and pressure that carers face and try hard to ensure access in multiple ways to improve their care.