Desperate wait for NHS operation

SIR, – With interest and dismay I read your article (Press and Journal, June 26) on the NHS Grampian boss’s revelations about hospital waiting times.

I am one of, no doubt, hundreds of patients, who wait desperately for a minor, but essential operation to have some kind of quality life.

I have a urology problem, giving me a permanent inflammation of the bladder since November. And as I have an intolerance to antibiotic, and am in permanent pain and discomfort. I did get an appointment for ultrasound on March 20 and a pre-op assessment on May 4, but received letters that the 12 weeks waiting time cannot be met.

The inflammation affected my eyesight, so I am also needing an emergency eye clinic appointment. I also have an inflammation of arthritic hip, which means another appointment at the orthopaedic department. How cost effective is that when all I need is half a day at the urology department to have the problem resolved?

Mr Malcolm Wright: please give nurses a living wage, contracts and help with housing; make savings by not using agencies, taxis or locums, which until now is one of the emergency options you use. Marga Schnell, Witiko, Milltimber