A GERMANSWEEK woman has seen a consultant nearly three years before her appointment was due thanks to the intervention of her local MP. Sandra Hopkins was told she would have to wait 140 weeks to see a consultant by the Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare NHS Trust.

Her case was highlighted in the House of Commons by West Devon MP John Burnett in January who said it was 'utterly unacceptable and a national disgrace.'

Following the debate, the hospital contacted Mrs Hopkins with an earlier appointment and having seen a consultant she said it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her.

'It is such a relief — this has saved me years of stress,' she said. 'I am so grateful to John Burnett for helping me.'

Mrs Hopkins, who had been suffering from giddiness and fainting, said a scan had shown she had a problem with her balance and an appointment had been arranged for her to see an ears, nose and throat specialist on March 13.

'I was beginning to think there was something really serious wrong with me and if I had had to wait 140 weeks I would have made myself ill with worry,' she said

'I went to see Mr Burnett because I was so annoyed — I had 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.'

The MP said he was delighted that the health authority had reacted so quickly after his intervention but treatment should not depend on people having to go through their MPs.

'I have impressed upon this health authority and others in my constituency that waiting times of 140 weeks are completely unacceptable,' he said.

'They have to keep a grip on these waiting times and make sure people get a swift response and the care they need as soon as possible.'

Mr Burnett said he was in no way criticising the terrific work done by the doctors, nurse and healthcare workers and he understood the tremendous difficulties health authorities were up against with the lack of funding.