A mother waiting on a scoliosis appointment for her daughter has said it is 'disgraceful' she has to wait six months, whereas she could get an appointment privately in weeks.
Anna Mills' two daughters have the condition, with her youngest currently struggling to even get an appointment with a consultant.
Her eldest daughter was diagnosed in 2017 with a 32 degree curvature and is now waiting over a year and a half for a follow-up appointment.
Her younger daughter was diagnosed in January and is still waiting to be seen.
Ms Mills told Lunchtime Live early intervention is key.
"I was advised that maybe at the earliest she would be [seen] in May or June, which is like a six-month wait," she said.
"If her condition is the same as her elder sister, she could have a rapid progression within that time.
"So, we're missing a window there for a possible brace and just to delay the progression of the curve.
"Early access, intervention and care is vital for this condition".
'She's in the same criteria'
Ms Mills said her eldest daughter was estimated to have a curvature just before her spinal fusion surgery of 85 degrees.
"She was 13-years-old at the time and her younger sister is now 12, so she's in the same criteria really," she said.
"She needs to get the early intervention.
"If you have the funds for a private appointment you could get an appointment within one to two weeks, which is actually disgraceful.
"But if you want to wait for a public appointment it could be at least six months.
"We haven't even got an appointment from January when the referral was sent in from the GP even though it was marked as 'urgent'".
'Constantly on your mind'
Ms Mills said she has been through this all before.
"We've been here before and it's constantly on your mind," she said.
"When she's ever going to be seen or what's going to happen because you know what you're facing.
"It was actually worse than what it was when my eldest daughter had her initial surgery back in 2017.
"They may have been roughly 120 on the waiting list and now we're up to 327 in 2024.
"Services have completely declined," she added.
Ms Mills said she can no longer get answers on the phone from her daughter's hospital.
Listen back here:
