"GP surgery not answering phones and no appointments"

I'm beyond frustrated and concerned for my family member as I cannot get through to the GP surgery to make an appointment.

After 30 minutes I spoke to a very apologetic admin staff who explained there were no planned appointments available this month and that December has not yet been released. 

I have been directed to call back. Today I have spent a total of an hour on hold and still not had a response. I have also tried to contact the practice manager via another practice but again on hold for 25 minutes with no response. 

I am trying to plan an appointment for a relative who needs support however the options were to make this an emergency or go to A&E! With an already over pressured emergency care system the inability to speak with a GP adding to unnecessary trips to our A&E departments. 

With the advancing concerns, I may be forced to take care down an emergency route as there are no other options open to us. 

I understand all areas are under pressure however my relative did not receive the full care and attention previously which I believe has now left them potentially needing more medical attention than would have been elicited on a first review several weeks ago.