"Frustrated about ongoing surgery cancellations"

I am an Aboriginal person in their 50s that lives in a Kununurra in the Kimberley.

I have been waiting for surgery on my knee for 5 years. An appointment has been booked on 5 occasions. 4 of which I have travelled to Fremantle only for the appointment to be cancelled at the last minute due to, I believe, either short on staff or no beds available. I have taken time off work each time and as I work as a casual employee, I do not get paid when I travel for an appointment. 

Recently, I had an appointment in Kununurra and was booked in to do surgery here on the day I wrote this story. Again at the last minute, my appointment was cancelled and I was told that the hospital was short on beds.

I had already given my employer a doctor's note for a week's sick leave. As a casual employee, my boss then covered my shifts. Only to be told on the day that the appointment was cancelled.

These constantly cancelled appointments are not only bad for my health, mental health but also my finances. I really can't afford to be constantly taking time off work for appointments that never happen. 

As an Aboriginal person living in a remote community, we are constantly told that our health matters and that the gap is being closed but in my opinion, it really does not feel that way.