Not to lessen your wait time but:
Took me 6 months to get a knee replacement after waiting for over two years for WCB to say yes. That was 7 or so years ago. Only reason it was only 6 months is that it was a WCB claim
Well over two years for a hip replacement from initial appointment with GP. All I could do to walk. The surgeon screwed that up and it popped out twice and it took 5 months I think it was for a replacement surgery. That 5 months I was waiting to do a faceplant at any time.
Second time it popped out, from the time the ambulance picked me up and the time it was put back in place was 10 hours. Couldn't move...nutthin.
Saw my GP over a year ago for pain in my hands and wrists, still waiting for appt with specialist.
Just had one cataract done two weeks ago, that was a two year wait, hopefully not as long for other eye.
Appt with GP is 2-4 weeks if you call first two± weeks of the month. After that date they don't take appointments and have to call back next month.
Going to ER it's nothing to hear of 12-20 hour wait that is provided the ER isn't closed for staffing problems.
Is our healthcare free...yup but you get what you pay for.