"Extended delays to treatment"

The procedure was booked in for January at MRI, then postponed until February. At the pre-op assessment, it was decided that I needed a sleep study done to rule out sleep apnoea. I duly had a sleep study done at MRI and my procedure was rebooked for June.

When I came for pre-op in June, I was told that the sleep study had a recommendation of further sleep tests – so why had my procedure been rebooked? Why had I not received any results from the initial sleep study? Why had I not been referred on for these tests?

I was also told I would need to see my GP to be referred for the next sleep tests – why? The hospital should have referred me directly.

I then had a fuller sleep study at Wythenshawe Hospital early in September, and the consultant there told me that he didn’t understand why I had been referred to him, as there was nothing unusual about the first preliminary study. So why was I referred here, delaying my procedure again?

After the sleep study, my procedure was rebooked for October at Trafford General. My letter from Trafford said I would get a pre-op phone call in the week before. Why was no pre-op assessment done?

When I spoke to the Dr this morning, he told me that the sleep study results were not in my notes. Why, over 6 weeks since the study, were there no results?

He also told me that, because of my BMI, the procedure could not be done at Trafford, even if I had my sleep results, and even with local anaesthetic rather than general. My BMI was known to the hospital – I should never have been booked at Trafford.

I understand that my procedure may not be a top priority one, but my quality of life is suffering. As well as having difficulty with sexual activity and urination, I have now three times had the stress of preparing for a procedure that has been canceled. The continued delays to my treatment have also left me suffering from depression and anxiety.

Also, I have had a lot of time off work for all these appointments – many times unnecessarily. My husband has also had to have time off today for no reason. To be clear, I do not get paid if I am not at work. These delays are costing me a lot of money that I cannot afford.

I need this procedure done AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I would also appreciate some answers to my questions and some information on how you will improve things to ensure this does not happen to others.