A GERMANSWEEK woman who was told she would have to wait almost three years to see a consultant will have an appointment in the next month, it was revealed this week.
Sandra Hopkins' case was highlighted by West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett during a House of Commons debate on health last week.
The 53-year-old, who has been suffering from fainting and giddiness, was referred to a specialist by her GP and told by the Royal and Exeter Healthcare NHS Trust the approximate wait to see a neurology consultant would be 140 weeks.
But Mr Burnett said he had spoken with the trust this week and all efforts were being made for her to see another consultant.
Mr Burnett said he had contacted the chief executive of the healthcare trust and was very pleased there had been such a quick response.
'There appear to be two other consultants whose lists are not so full so Mrs Hopkins will be able to see someone within a month,' he said.
The MP is appealing for any other constituents to contact him if they are experiencing long delays to see consultants.
'There is something very wrong within the system if MPs have to intervene to ensure their constituents get proper healthcare,' he said. 'It is something I shall continue to highlight on the floor of the House of Commons because these delays are utterly unacceptable.'
Mrs Hopkins, who went to see her MP because she was extremely worried, said she was grateful to Mr Burnett who seemed to have 'performed a miracle' in ensuring she got an earlier appointment.
She had been forced to give up her job caring for her two elderly parents because she was feeling so unwell.
She said she had always been full of energy but now she was feeling so tired sometimes she was in bed by 7.30pm.
'I've always had a job and never claimed a week's sickness benefit,' she said. 'I did not think it was too much to ask to have something back.'