"Podiatry waiting time"

I went to my gp with an ingrown toenail after eventually getting an appointment. I was informed that I would need a referral to podiatry. After 3wks I phoned up podiatry to see how long the waiting list was just roughly as I was going on holiday and didn't want to miss my appointment and I was informed that they hadn't received my referral. After phoning my gp the referral was still sitting in the office.

My podiatry appointment came through and at assessment I was informed that they couldn't do anything for me there and I'd have to wait again to get a partial nail removal. I asked again how long this would take and told it would more than likely be after new year (my appointment was the start of November). I informed them that if this was the case I was moving through to Aberdeen and would appreciate if I could get an appointment there and gave a forwarding address which was agreed.

By the middle of January I still hadn't heard anything and after considering going private I thought I'd phone up and find out what was happening. I was met with a variety of "oh that's not on our records you need to phone.....". Eventually I got through to someone who informed me I'd had an appointment sent out to my old address (which I hadn't received).

Five months after my initial diagnosis of the ingrown toenail I finally got it removed. I cannot fault the podiatrist and assistant that carried out the procedure. They made me feel at ease, explained everything (as I hadn't received the information leaflet) and within the hour I was on my way home.

I am completely aware that an ingrown toenail is not a life threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. However, I think that waiting 5 months to get it removed is ridiculous.