"Waiting times"

I have always been a massive advocate for "our" hospital and having attended many appointments for either myself or with family, I've never had a bad experience. Unfortunately I am very upset/disappointed with the current surgery waiting time. Having seen a consultant in Oct 2015 I was put on a surgery list for a major operation. I was told the wait would be anything up to 18 weeks. Having still not received an appointment I called the appropriate waiting list office to be told the earliest possible appointment would be the end of April 2016. It was explained that this still wasn't a definite and could indeed be later. That will be 6+ months! I have not been offered to have my surgery at any other hospital which may have shorter lists or been communicated with in any way for any alternatives.