"Coming up 5 years and still no joy"

I need two knee reconstructions, it started at Maroondah Hospital. They lost my first referral, then they lost the 2nd referral. I believe they don't lose it, they just file it away until you complain. So the 3rd referral, after a huge complaint, I finally got an appointment with a surgeon. Then they put me on 'not urgent'. 

So after a complaint, I got moved to Box Hill. It was supposed to be done mid last year, then COVID hit the second time and I understand that, but I have rung them and sent an email, no reply.

If bone on bone and pain is not urgent, what is? I don't like being ignored. It is coming up to 5 years and I am losing patience rapidly. What happened to the duty of care in hospitals? I am in my 60s and I am on fluid tablets because of my knees and there is a risk that I do damage to my kidneys.

I feel the next step will be a solicitor. My parent got their hips done in 6 months I believe because they live an hour away.

Also at Maroondah Hospital, I was in there a few years ago for really bad asthma. I woke up the first morning there at 5 am and needed Ventolin. 30 mins later, not one nurse had come. The patient beside me who I believe had cancer pressed their buzzer and they came for them. In my opinion, asthma is a life-threatening condition. I walk out, told them I can take better care than they did.

So, in my opinion, our health system is failing and I believe I am not the only one who is p**** off. I feel it is not good enough.