A family member had radiotherapy for cancer treatment and was too weak to work. The firm still kept him on a temporary contract and refused to pay at all. So I went to the DHSS (now called something else Work & Pensions I think), had to queue up at a desk and state the problem infront of everyone else, and was told to ring another number. Eventually he got about £62 a week benefits, but it was a big drop in money. Do you have a union? Otherwise try the Citizens Advice. On the other hand when my mother had to go into a nursing home in 1993 and we had to wait 6 months for the Court of Protection to get any money, the DHSS were very helpful, took me into a room with an adviser, so I could talk about the situation in private. They paid the fees for 6 months (although they do not pay the full whack the nursing home wanted). You say you are on a cancellation list - would another hospital nearby have a shorter waiting list? Otherwise a letter from your GP can speed things up sometimes, and that has more clout than you ringing up yourself. Hope all goes well for you.
