"Good but serious issue need addressing."

As a patient diagnosed with malignant melanoma last year I require 3 monthly dermatology follow up to check my moles. I have nothing but praise for the Consultant & staff in the dermatology clinic and the mole mapping equipment is absolutely amazing and so reassuring to know that thorough monitoring is taking place. What is not good is the fact that the appointments are not 3 monthly. I have had to wait 4 months & 5 months between appointments in the past & was due to be reviewed last week but have not yet received the appointment letter. In my opinion if guidance states that follow up should be every 3 months then that is exactly what should happen. As in all cases of cancer, the sooner any changes are detected, the better the outcome. The detmatology secretaries are very helpful when I phone to chase up my appointment however last time I thought I would try phoning the Appointments dept and was told..." yes you're on the list but there's too many patients & not enough doctors". Really helpful!