Sorry ACE, it wasn't intended to be a joke, I keep forgetting that not every GP service is as fantastic as ours.
You want to see the GP the same day, you ring as soon after 9.00 a.m. as possible, and usually get an appointment for c. 11.00 a.m.. You can make an appointment to see him days in advance, unlike some of the horror stories you read about in the press.
Repeat prescriptions, you ring during morning surgery hours, and they will be ready for you to collect during the afternoon surgery (it is in walking distance as well).
Oh, and its not just improved in the past 10 years, it has been like it since we moved into the village 34 years ago.
Look after yourself ACE.
valmarg