This week we bring you the news that the findings from the latest annual GP Patient Survey are out.

It shows that nearly one in two of those who replied in Mid Essex said they had experienced hardship with regards to getting in touch with their GP practice on the phone.

This is no great surprise; it’s been well documented that patients are having trouble getting appointments. A lack of doctors and a lack of staff to answer the phones, as well as unreliable systems, are to blame.

But until more cash is pumped into the NHS we can probably expect more of the same.

On the bright side, the findings show people are pretty happy with the care they receive if they do make it through the door.