"Agonising wait for results"

My daughter had abnormal results after her first smear, aged 25, and so came for a colposcopy (although we didn't know this at the time as her letter stating what the appointment entailed had been lost in the post!) It was a bit of a shock for her and she was upset. The staff were professional and kind, the rooms clean and, for a hospital, welcoming.

Her results were then discussed by a panel, we finally heard that the cells were of a higher grade than expected and there were other cells causing further problems. She was invited to a second colposcopy to remove these cells.

We have now been waiting 5 WEEKS for her results. She rang up to chase them 2 weeks ago and was told they hadn't been processed yet. She chased them up last week and was told they hadn't even looked at the results from that date yet!

Although the staff are great etc, this is NOT good enough. My daughter was also told that the staff member who deals with results and letters only works HALF DAY ON A THURSDAY!! This too is NOT good enough.

I am trying to chase them again this morning myself and so far the phone has rung with no answer on both occasions.

We just hope no news is good news, that anything urgent will have been sifted out ages ago and dealt with accordingly. Do staff appreciate the cloud that hangs over your head while waiting? Ok, cells may not be cancerous, but if left untreated they may become cancerous. For ordinary people this is terrifying. We want the all clear and to move on in keeping an eye on her over the next 12 months.

If the results aren't good, we will be making an official complaint. 5 weeks is far too long to wait for test results in this kind of case.