morgana how hard this must be for everyone concerned. I don't understand how this fits with "the right care at the right time at the point of need for all" which is the ethos of the NHS. I also don't understand the difference between an urgent operation that is needed for someone in great pain, and an emergency operation.
No wonder people end up "working the system" in desperation.
I feel very sorry for your son who has the added pressure of not being able to take sick leave.
Don't start thinking about the worst case scenario, as bluebelle says, if cancer was suspected, treatment would be fast tracked.