The latest report states that approximately 9000 people in the area of Shropshire had to wait more than four weeks to see a GP.
"The delay in care will be worrying, but one must step back to see the context," Dr. Lorna Clarson, chief medical officer, said.
It's as if everybody has booked an appointment in that place for just a month.
The data showed "exceptionally high demand," most of which was in the absence of "lack of availability," as busy teams were working to high levels to provide rapid access to care, further said Dr. Clarson.
She gave various reasons for the delays, such as for those patients who were not urgent and therefore would consider an available GP or time, just as when it was a follow-up appointment after completing a course of treatment.
"Improvements in access to GP services will still be the priority area, and we will continue working closely with our practices to address increasing demand to ensure patients receive necessary care at the right place and at the right time," she said.