"Superb surgeon. Carry on film bureaucracy"

Firstly I'd like to say that the surgeon who removed the tumour from my ear did a marvellous job. She shaped the incision with real skill and left what is in effect a crater, but a pleasingly formed one. So I am very pleased with the treatment. The problem was the wait. I reported it in October and had to wait until May to be treated. My second appointment for November was postponed until January. When I attended this appointment the consultant said to me: 'So you've come for your biopsy result.' I hadn't had a biopsy. If only! He then arranged to fit me in that day as there had fortunately been a cancellation. I was grateful but still got the impression a certain amount of winging it was going on. I had the biopsy then there was silence for a few weeks, then I was invited in again. After waiting I was interviewed by a cosmetic surgery specialist. I had no idea I was having surgery, let alone in need of cosmetic work! The poor woman realised this was all happening the wrong way round and I was next seen by the surgeon who explained that the lump of my ear was malignant and that she would perform a MOHS procedure. Every time I attended clinic I had to tell people why I was there and go through my case history to someone jotting things down as if I'd never been there before. To sum up: I had top treatment from the surgeon, quite superb. But the bureaucratic back-up is dismal. It's like entering a Carry On film. Such a shame as the consultants are first class.