Am so annoyed - lying hospital!!

[Nat1H]

DS2 has developed a 50 degree scoliosis over the past year
We finally got to see a consultant in October who told us that he wanted to see DS again in 4 months time. We handed the slip into reception and were told that an appointmnet would be sent out.
Now, it is very lapse of me (not like me at all), but I never got round to chasing the appointment up
Our physio rang the hospital and said DS spine was deteriorating and that we needed an appointment soon. It arrived in the post today for............. JULY!!! That's 8 months, not 4!
I rang and explained that we need to see the consultant earlier and was told it wasn't possible. The consultant's secretary then told me that the receptionists who are supposed to book future appointments are taking the forms off patients, telling them that they will send appointments out, and then not bothering
They have not got enough doctors to see patients and so they are only seeing new patients, and those that shout out loud. WTF?
I am fuming! This hospital is a leading children's hospital in the Northwest.
I am sick of being treated like this. By everyone. What would you do? Am considering writing to the Chief Executive and my local MP, but wanted to have more 'clout' than that.
I am disgusted.

Make lots of noise, twice daily phone calls. Get the physio to call and your GP.

She has given you the tools by saying new patients or those that shout loudest

Phone every day for a cancellation. Even of there isn't one they'll soon find one! (Got DSs new buggy today, they opened an hour early just to get rid of us help out).

Write to everyone you mentioned. I complain about EVERYTHING in writing (I am reasonable, but cannot be dealing with waiting times caused by pathetic red tape and incompetence) and I have developed a reputation now. People know who I am, even if its just the demanding bitch mother from hell and that dealing with me generally will result in another letter of complaint if we are messed about. I couldn't care less - it gets what we need for DS.

You could try e-mailing the consultant directly (google the consultant's name and his/her name will probably come up in relation to published research papers which often include contact details) and asking for an appointment that way.... nothing like cutting out the middle wo/man for a rapid response from my experience.

yep, start shouting! Ring PALS at the hospital as well and tell them what was said, get the physio to keep ringing and generally be a pita. 8 months is ridiculous.

I am guessing the secretary was having a bad day. Your right it is not acceptable and your child health should not be placed at risk because of a poor admin system.
The simplist way to resolve it is to contact your sons GP and explain the situation they should be able to contact the consultant directly on your childs behalf and ensure that he is seen at the recommended time. Or you could phone the hospital and ask to talk to the complaints officer and ask them to sort it out. If you have no success - write a formal complaint to the Chief Exec of the Hospital and the Chief Exec of the Primary Care Trust - their contact details will be on the Trusts web site.