My doctors are really good. You can't just book a general appointment, you ring and they ask for a brief idea of the problem, which I see as appropriate for deciding who you are best to speak to, ask which doctor you usually speak to so you can speak to them if possible and appropriate, and I imagine they would be fine if you say it's private (I've never had a problem telling them). It also helps the Dr have an idea before they ring you back and, I imagine, they could look up info, should they need to, before a callback.
If doctor/nurse will ring you back and deal as appropriate, leave a prescription for you to pick up, book you in for an appointment, tests etc...
So much more convenient then taking up appointment time if it isn't needed.
The receptionists are great too, friendly and have been brilliant checking on things and chasing things up for me when stuff has gone astray or needs chasing to and from the hospital.
My GP is lovely too, I've made more progress in getting my health back on track with her than any other doctor previously, she has been fantastic and to be honest, all the doctors I've seen/spoken to there have been great.