"I have a life threatening condition and surgery..."

I have waited since 11.11.15 for an aortic aneurysm repair. I had received an appointment for surgery for 15.04.16 which has now been cancelled due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

I have contacted the vascular secretaries for an update on my new appointment but they have been less than helpful and say it is being dealt with.

My daughter was going to come over from the USA to care for me post operatively and has now lost over £1000 for air travel as there was not enough notice given for her to cancel. This will have to be rebooked when I receive my new appointment.

I am exceptionally concerned as the original letter from the consultant states that the aneurysm has 'grown quickly' and therefore now feel let down by the NHS as I have a time bomb which no one seems willing to help me with. Perhaps if its left any longer you wont have to help me?

Could you please acknowledge my concern and provide me with another surgery date ASAP so I can arrange after care.

It would have been helpful for me to understand this action if you could have stated in the cancellation letter the reasons for cancellation rather than 'unforeseen circumstances' and also if the vascular secretaries could show some empathy/ compassion when dealing with concerned patients and relatives.