"Chaos from start to finish"

Anything else?

I was referred to St Richards on 27/07/2012 by my GP to see two different Consultants for two seperate medical problems, one related to my hand the other my knee.

HAND

It took 28 weeks (7months) from GP referral to the initial consultation to then be told that they were only able to carry out a very invasive operation (£3,000/4000 cost plus including need for Operating Theatre etc) although there are two alternative and far less treatments available on the NHS one being an injection (costing just £750) and done in a day clinic.

KNEE

It took 20 weeks (5months) from GP refferral to initial consultation,When I was told that I needed a full knee replacement and that it was an urgent case and the operation would be carried as soon as possible.

A month later (January 2013) a letter arrived with operation date of 7/3/2013, In February I attended a pre op clinic for 3 hours relating to all procedures that would be taking place before and after operation, I attended another clinicfor a further 3 hours a week later for a pre op assessment including : ECG/Blood tests/Swabs for infection/Blood pressure etc etc

This operation was cancelled 5 weeks in advance of the operation with no explanation given, this could not caused by an emergency 5 weeks in advance I have today just received another letter stating the date of the rearranged operation is set for 18/4/2013

this will be 39 weeks after my GP referral nearly 10 Months Bear in mind this was an urgent case

I have given up 6 months of contract work for two straightforward procedures which to date have and are very unlikely to be carried out