"Bunion surgery"

Anything else?

I was referred by GP last Dec re treatment for my bunions. My referral was not official processed until March when my 18 week pathway commenced. (apparently due to triage process and the fact that my referral sat in the podiatrist's out-tray for a week whilst they were on leave). I received my first outpatient's appointment which was dated for July (19 weeks into my 18 week pathway) I rang the hospital and challenged this and after speaking to a manager a cancellation slot was found for me for the end of April at High Wycombe. I duly saw the consultant (had to wait 2 hours past my alloted time as clearly the clinic slots had been over booked) and when asked re an expected date for surgery was told August. Not great but at least there was an end point or so I thought!! Since then it has come to light that my surgery will most likely be at the end of the year - as that is all the Trust will commit themsleves to saying and interestingly my surgeon has been on leave for the whole month of August. To say I am disappointed with the level of service I have received thus far would be an understatement! I would not recommend this service to my friends, family or worse enemy! Under the terms of the NHS Constitution I am now seeking to have my treatment elsewhere as this has been a complete shambles from the start!