"Referral for surgery"

I have poor circulation in my legs. I have had ulcers from the poor circulation.

I attended my last appointment at Fiona Stanley vascular clinic not long ago. I saw a specialist whom seemingly told me that I'm a good candidate for surgery but, because I don't have health insurance, I will have to go through the public system. I recall the specialist told me that if I had health insurance they could do my surgery at the start of the following week. But obviously I can't. Then I believe the specialist told me that they will have a referral sent to Fremantle hospital to their boss.

It's now been a few months I have been waiting to hear back if Fremantle have received the referral. I understand that I could be waiting for 1 year for surgery. Apparently, Fremantle hospital have nothing on file about the referral and Fiona Stanley have said there is no referral on their end.

My care I received from Fiona Stanley (the nurses) was great, very attentive and understanding. Based on my experience of just the lack of care from the specialist, it was a little disheartening. In my opinion, I was being told if I had health insurance I could have my issue fixed in the next few days and I told them well obviously I can't, that's why I'm here. Now I have to see my gp and get them to do a referral for me. I just hope there is enough time that I can still have the procedure done under the public health system.