Hanging on for surgery — but I feel miserable

I AM writing this in the hope that something, anything can be done to help me, as well as others.

My doctor has written twice to the hospital to try and get me an appointment.

I need an urgent operation on my knee — in fact, a knee replacement; it is now bone on bone — but the letters are just looked at by clerical staff and sent back saying, ‘‘We can’t offer an appointment at this stage.’’

I am having to use crutches to get around, and now need home help.

I get 34 hours’ sleep in bed with all the painkillers I take then the rest of the night is spent sleeping on the LaZBoy in the lounge, because of the pain.

My doctor is getting so frustrated and can’t understand why we are getting no help.

I hope this will get some reaction and help, as this is getting worse by the day.

Name withheld by request

[Southern District Health Board surgical services and radiology medical director Stephen Packer replies:

‘‘We are sorry to hear of this patient’s concerns and difficulties.

‘‘Unfortunately, because the demand for orthopaedic surgical services is greater than the SDHB can provide, it is necessary that all referral letters from GPs are reviewed and prioritised by clinical staff.

‘‘They have the challenge of managing many more referrals than can be seen and as required utilise the Ministry of Health questionnaire and scoring tool to help determine which patients are most in need of surgery.

‘‘Despite increasing the volume of joint replacement surgery each year, the SDHB remains unable to meet the demand and sympathises with those who are unable to be seen or have surgery.

‘‘We are unable to discuss individual patient cases in your correspondence columns, but we are more than happy to discuss the concerns directly with the patient.’’] .................................

BIBLE READING: Through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. — Ephesians 3.12.