"Urgent treatment required? Tough!"

Anything else?

May 2103: I visited the GP and was referred to DDH cardiology for tests. The 'choose and book' system fails because the department is fully booked up for 16 weeks and the system only shows 12 weeks. The 'patients charter' says you must see a consultant with 18 weeks - and after 17 weeks I received a letter referring me to a different hospital! I had two tests (one of which was longer than expected as they forgot I was there!) and I was assured that I would be contacted within three weeks - even if everything was OK I would still be told. Fourteen weeks later and I am still waiting. The secretary says she will 'chase them up' - but never does. My GP says they can't help as it is down to DDH, and also explained that I would be lucky to get the results with eight months and more likely it will be nearer ten months. A letter of complaint has been sent in and my concerns will be investigated urgently and I should expect a reply within four weeks. Still waiting! During the course of this wait my health is suffering and the initial problems are getting worse., I don't believe they take patient welfare seriously.