That's not my (UK) experience. I can get a telephone consultation with a GP within 24 hours; if I need to see my own designated GP, I can get a face appointmen

That's not my (UK) experience. I can get a telephone consultation with a GP within 24 hours; if I need to see my own designated GP, I can get a face appointment within a week, usually. If consultants are appropriate, I'm referred to a consultant. There are some specialisms where it's hard to get a referral; podiatry is an example. As far as I can tell, NHS podiatry is mainly reserved for people with diabetes. I had to hire a private podiatrist, £50 per session, 6 sessions. I gather there are long queues for mental treatment (although GPs enthusiatically diagnose depression, and hand out antidepressants like jellybeans). I don't like taking antibiotics; I don't want to nuke my gut biome, if I can avoid it. I can't remember the last time I was prescribed antibiotics prophylactically.