"Unacceptably long wait time and no alternatives"

I feel so let down and frustrated/distressed regarding the ongoing delay in waiting for a surgery date from RAH.

I have been waiting for an appointment for a laparscopy for 106 weeks, after initially seeing gynaecology in Dec 2022.

I had my pre-op assessment on the late January. After calling for an update, I have been informed that due to the consultant being off work I will have to wait an additional possible three months beyond the already unacceptably long waiting time. This has previously happened when the consultant was previously absent from work Nov/Dec. 

Due to changes in my symptoms last Autumn, I had an urgent appointment and met a consultant who said I would now be receiving a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.

On my call to the hospital recently I was advised that management have overridden my appointment and have taken me off the waiting list for the laparscopy in Oct and readded me. I was furious finding this out as it now looks as if I have been waiting 15 weeks and not the 106 weeks as stated above.

This situation is highly distressing and has caused significant disruption to my health and well-being. I am now missing work due to my symptoms. My family life is being impacted and more seriously my mental health.

I find it extremely concerning that despite the prolonged wait, there seems to be no clear communication or alternative arrangements made to address the consultant’s absence. I have offered to visit any hospital that has doctors who can perform investigative laparoscopies and take any cancellations out of desperation.