Patients wait in agony: when will it all end?

EVERY day I deal with queries or complaints and sometimes heartbreaking stories from constituents waiting in vain for a call from their hospital to tell them they have reached the top of the waiting list.

Some are angry, some are resigned, but all are afraid and worried. They are worried that by the time their own turn comes, it will be too late, or the pain will be unbearable or their quality of life will be useless.

With our population increasing and people living longer, the proportion of elderly patients will continue to increase.