"Waiting times for podiatry appointments"

I have been diagnosed with plantar faciitis by my GP in Plymouth who referred me for a specialised podiatry appointment.

After 6 weeks I had an acknowledgement that I was on the waiting list. When I checked timescales I was told it was 18 months! After some pressure from my surgery that has been reduced to 10 months. I therefore have to remain in agony for that amount of time.

Is there no agreements in place in Plymouth PCT that patients should be seen within specific timescales? I believe the timescales are a joke. The choices are that either the complaint will resolve itself or I go private.