On Valentine’s Day, the boss of IMH told BBC Wiltshire: “I think we’re looking at about six weeks to get this whole system running properly.”

Six weeks later, Dr Martyn Diaper said the systems had changed and waits were falling. But he apologised to anyone still facing delays.

“We apologise again for the problems patients have faced accessing care since September,” Dr Diaper told the Advertiser.

“As a result, we have tried to make it easier for patients to book appointments with their practice and now release appointments for booking 14 days, seven days and two days in advance as well as on the day to ensure appointments are available to patients with acute and chronic illness.

“We now have 12 call handlers taking calls in the morning and 5 in the afternoon when demand reduces.

"As a result, on four of last five Mondays, call waits have been under 20 minutes by 9am. Half the time over last six weeks it has taken under 10 minutes to get through to the practice by 9am. On 21 of last 26 days, we had a zero call wait at midday.

“Occasionally, call waits have been longer and for this, we apologise.

“We realise we need to communicate with patients better and we are looking at how we can do this through our websites and helping to educate patients about when best to call their GP.”