"Cancelled Operations"

I have had two craniotomy operations cancelled at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The first cancellation I was informed a day before and was told there was not enough beds. I was immediately given another date which was 29 days later. On the day of admission I waited by the phone all day, and per instructions telephoned the ward if I had not heard anything. They seemed surprised that I had called because the nurse manager should have telephoned to cancel due to my bed being given to an emergency patient. The manager telephoned two hours later to apologise and that a new date would be issued within 2 days.

After 2 days I telephoned my consultants secretary and was informed no date had been allocated. I was put through to allocations who said she would discuss this with my consultant and allocate. She promised to ring back on the same afternoon. Still no call the following day. Further calls were made with me leaving voice messages or going unanswered.

I am on that much medication I can barely walk and certainly have very little energy to chase for treatment. My brother took over the battle and got a date for next month, 35 days after the last cancellation. I'm one that never complains and just sits in the background accepting everything.

My condition is known as suicide syndrome due to the immense pain from the trigeminal nerve. I certainly know why this is the name and with the severe lack of understanding from the hospital and having to wait so long, this is a considerable option.

I have been told about the 18 week rule and also that cancelled operations should be rebooked within 28 days. Neither of mine have. Should I just be satisfied that I have a new date or try and get the strength to pray they don't cancel a 3rd time?