help, a private clinic is withholding my money

[user12332586664885]

Hi

My private surgery was sceduled on the 29th of feb before covid hit, it was cancelled roughly two weeks before due to the hospital having a dispute with the dr for not participating in an enquiry that was called up for a second time.

The clinic after the cancellation promised they'll work with the hospital to resolve issues so i can still have my surgery on the 29th of feb. None of that succeeded. Its been now three months and they are asking me to be patient because now covid had hit them financially, and hit me too.

Had this been caused by covid i'd understand, but covid matters kicked in at least one month later and they wouldnt refund my money since.

I dont know where i stand legally. The terms of the contract are clear that i need two weeks notice to cancel. But i didnt cancel the hospital did! So i'm entitled to my full refund.
I know i can take this to a small claims court, but i want advise how to handle this without incuring costs. They arent denying that i'm entitled to my money, they just never refunded me on the 29th of feb when they should have. I need my money now with covid straining us financially, i'm really angry at this.

Thanks all

I have just seen an reply from my bank that was sent on the 21st of April through the mobile app that they are happy to raise a dispute over the payment.

Would this be the right course of action or should i take another step first? I feel so relieved to see their message it took much longer due to covid than i anticipated.

Not sure really but lots of solicitors will give you a free 30 mins or a hour.. you could try them and tell the clinic that the bank is looking into a claim and you are in the process of getting legal advice. That might kick them into action.

Definitely pursue via your bank/credit card provider. They normally resolve these things very quickly.

Thanks both a lot, i think i'll send them an email telling them of my intentions to raise a dispute in 10 days with the bank and see if they refund me. Meanwhile i lost the cancellation letter and need the hospital to send me the reason for cancellation.

I still want to have the surgery, and i really wanted to keep good terms with them, but clearly refusing to give my money back when i need it is just plain wrong