I assume it's to meet government targets,
so no-one is waiting longer than a day because they don't let you make an appointment unless it's for the same day. That's probably not going to help people like me who have a worry but don't normally go to the doctor (ie men).

I'm lucky in that I get paid if I take a few hours off, but I know my boss will get mightily pissed off if I have to take mornings off all week on the off-chance I might get to see the doctor.
( Druid, Mon 4 Jul 2005, 8:53, archived)

my surgery does have
a few appointments bookable in advance so when I wanted one to take Mr V to I argued about him not being able to book time off work at short notice and they gave me an appointment for later in the week
( Jadeviper was still alive on, Mon 4 Jul 2005, 8:55, archived)