"GP Referral to Hospital"

I was referred to hospital by my GP in October 2012. While visiting the doctor in with my ill daughter in late November I mentioned my referral and that I hadn't heard anything from the hospital. He told me to wait until the end of January 2013 and if I still hadn't heard anything to let him know.

I did as he said and waited. By the end of January I still hadn't heard anything so let him know. He responded by telling me that the hospital had sent me a form to fill out and as I hadn't returned it within 3 months I had now been removed from their list. I didn't receive this form which is the main issue, however I am so angry that he told me to wait for more than 3 months before he would chase up the referral. He must have known that after 3 month I would be struck off the waiting list and need to be referred again. And now even after I have been referred again and this time received my form from the hospital and returned it, I still have to go on a 12 week waiting list for an appointment - this seems very unfair.

GPs should take some responsibility for providing poor information to patients which result in delays in their treatment.