AROUND ten weeks ago I noticed a swelling and pain in my groin area, which became painful and disabled my walking. Mt GP sent me for an X-ray, the results came back clear.

I mentioned it to a knowledgeable friend who said I needed an MRI scan. I visited my GP again who said they could not authorise an MRI scan but another examination revealed a large lump and the GP said he would get in touch with a consultant.

After a week or so I had no reply and the pain was getting worse. Finally an appointment came through to see an orthopaedic consultant in a couple of weeks’ time.

My wife and I had a long weekend in Scotland and the pain was still bad so I went to Dumfries A&E who were excellent. After a thorough examination it was determined I had a large hernia which would need operating on. I was given painkillers and told my details would be sent to my GP.

Once home I saw an orthopaedic consultant and underwent the same examination with the same results.I asked if this was not a waste of NHS money, she replied it was but it was procedure.

Back at my GP I was examined again, more expense. The the receptionist booked in for October 10. I then got the paperwork for yet another examination and not the operation — five examinations later. Is it any wonder the NHS is struggling. It is in need of organisation not money and with the amount of disposed appliances and time it would seem it is a bottomless pit, very much unscrutinised and unsupervised.

Bill Collison

Bolton Road

Kearsley