What is the longest anyone has been on an NHS waiting list? (And survived)

Posted by TheAKYoung@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 566 comments

So I got phoned by the local hospital recently to book in my endoscopy as requested by my GP. I was not aware that I had been put in for one so asked if I could phone my GP to check what this is for and call the appointment line back? I phoned my GP and spoke to a receptionist who said she could check for the referral letter. All I knew from the hospital was she said it had been sent in July and she was sorry it had taken so long to get back to me. My GP receptionist could not find a referral in July, or June or August. When she dug deeper she eventually found it. It was submitted in July 2007!?!?!? I phoned the hospital department appointment line and spoke to the same lady. I asked her to check the referral letter which she opened again,and I asked the date was, which she replied, “July”. I asked what year, at which point she gasped and asked if it really was 18 years ago I was referred. I told her that after a few months waiting I gave up and went private. She asked nicely if I still wanted the appointment or was I happy to let it go……Whilst trying not to laugh I thanked her and passed on it. Thankfully, this didn’t end up having serious consequences for me, I just it incredible that somehow I spent 18 years on an NHS waiting list and they never noticed. Anyone been on a wait longer? (Preferably without serious consequences)