"What has happened to the pain management clinic?"

I have been attending the pain management clinic for 10 years.

It is my lifeline to normality following a failed operation which left me in chronic pain.

Up until recently I have had a regular appointment every 6 months which allows me to lead a more or less normal life.

However, the last 3 appointments have been late with myself having to chase the department.

Many phone calls unanswered and letters not replied to.

In the last instance, when I eventually spoke to someone I was told that I was not even on a list.

I had the procedure 3 months late.

When I raised this with the current consultant they informed me that 6 month appointments were now scheduled for 9 months due to waiting lists and that my next 6 month appointment would be in 9 months.

They failed to offer how I managed with the chronic pain for the extra 3 months.

Who in the administration has made the decision to extend waiting lists and why are patients not informed or consulted as to the inevitable medical repercussions?

You have to be in pain to understand the concerns.

I am left dreading the next episode where I will be phoning, writing and listening to answer-phones in an attempt to secure a date for my procedure.