"Long wait after GP referral"

In March 2012 my GP referred me to a specific psychiatrist at a local hospital in London Borough of Southwark.

As yet, 16th July 2012, I have received no notification of an appointment.

My GP has made enquiries and told me more than a month ago that my case had been approved by the local PCT and that he and the psychiatrist in question were merely awaiting confirmation in writing of that decision.

Since the psychiatrist may not be able to provide an appointment immediately it could be a further month or so after receipt of the letter before I see him so even if that letter is received tomorrow it will probably be more than 5 months since the original referral before I get my consultation.

Considering that people with my particular problem have a very high suicide rate I think this delay in communication between PCT, GP and psychiatrist is unforgivable.

I have absolutely no complaint about the care I have received from my GP, who is as frustrated as I am with the situation, and the psychiatrist's secretary has been as helpful as possible, confirming that she knows about my case and that she too is still waiting for confirmation from the PCT.

Surely it is someone's job to send out these confirmation letters, so why has it not been done?