ARE there any Review readers who can beat Ken Bird's wait for a hospital appointment for an assessment on his arthritic knees?
Fed up and often in pain, Mr Bird, of Lower Lydbrook, is hoping for an operation. But he broke down in laughter when his appointment – not for an operation but only assessment – arrived last week. He has to wait until May 25, 2000.
"It really is a bit of a joke. It would not be so bad if we were not constantly being told that waiting lists are being reduced," he said.
Mr Bird had been told to expect a wait of up to six months for an appointment.
"That had worried me so I asked about going privately. I was told that would cost me around £70 or £80 but that I would be seen in two to three weeks," he said.
"Two days later my appointment came for assessment to be put on an operating list at Gloucester. When I saw the date I thought they were joking and collapsed with laughter."
Mr Bird's arthritic knees have been causing him increasing problems.
"I knew they were getting worse because they have been playing up more and more. But it was not until I saw myself on a video recently that I realised how badly my walking had become.
"It really is silly to expect someone to wait that long for as assessment. I think they hope you die first," he joked.
"I'm wondering if my wait is a record. But knowing the Review there is sure to be someone out there faced with an even longer wait," he said.