"Treatment for a foot problem"

I tried to treat it myself, then, after a couple of months, went to the pharmacist first, as advised on TV.  He suggested continuing with the same treatment.  After about four months, I went back and the pharmacist said I should phone to ask for a GP appointment.  The admin staff gave me a nurse appointment. 

The nurse didn't know what the problem was and gave me forms to complete for a podiatrist.  More weeks went by and my walking was beginning to be affected, so I went back to the pharmacist to see if there was anything stronger.  He said to go to a GP. I began self-treatment again.  Then I got a cancellation appointment with the podiatrist.  They were very good indeed, knew what the problem was, gave me some immediate treatment and explained how to manage it myself. 

I left feeling reassured.  But why did I have to go through all of these hoops first?  It seems a waste of time all round.