"18 weeks will be 52 weeks"

I was referred (in considerable pain) to Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore in Sep 2009 and received my first consultation in October 2009. was sent for xrays and MRI and told to come back for follow up. earliest appointment at Stanmore was February 2010! saw the consultant in Central London in November rather than wait so long. was told to have bone density scan to determine what shoulder prosthesis would be appropriate. had scan in December offered next appointment with Consultant in March 2010 - ridiculous. 2 weeks before appointment received letter cancelling March appointment and changing it to end of May 2010. still haven;t been told when operation will be but 18 weeks has already passed and doctor's secretary said wait is 4 months, add that to the 8 months that will have passed by the time I see him and 18 weeks will be 52 weeks.