"13 month wait for post procedure appointment"

Having waited over 6 months to see a consultant I was referred for an endoscopy in March this year 2019. I was told I would get a follow up appointment with the consultant to discuss the results. Days after the endoscopy I got the appointment through for the middle of April 2020 I phoned the appointment line to check if this was correct and the staff member was so apologetic explaining that was the next available appointment. They suggested that I call the consultants secretary and then gave me the number to call. I called and after chatting the secretary agreed to send out an earlier appointment. I was sent an appointment for early October 2019 which I was very grateful for.

Yesterday I got a letter advising that the appointment I had been sent for the beginning of October had been cancelled. I completely understand that appointments can change and need to be cancelled. I have no issue with that. What I do have a frustration with is that my new appointment is for the end of April 2020. 13 months after I had the procedure. I phoned the number on the letter to find out why this was and was advised I was given the next available appointment. When I asked what would happen if the April appointment got cancelled I was advised I would have to wait a further 7 months.

I have to confess the staff member I spoke with manner was not the most very professional and they sighed at me adding to my frustration. Given the position the staff member has, a little understanding would go a long way. Can I ask how would you feel if this was yourself or a family member? I have the upmost respect for the nhs and everyone who works for it. I understand that everyone is working under pressure. It’s struggling and under funded. But how can this be seen as acceptable? Something has to change. I am not posting this for any other reason than to highlight how stretched the entire system is and something has to change. People are suffering in pain and feeling ill and putting pressure in different ways on the system. I am taking medication now and feeling better. But should I continue taking the medication or stop? Will I because of the delay in seeing the consultant be taking medication for longer than I need and as a result be costing the nhs money in medication unnecessarily? What if I wasn’t feeling better? What about people who wait over a year to see someone feeling unwell and or in pain? How can that be acceptable?