I have only ever been a public patient but I have always received a private room - largely I guess due to the fact they thought I was going to die. I have never experienced delays, although, once again both my cancers were rather urgent in nature once they were discovered and probably fair to say that both had not a great prognosis intially attached to either cancer. 25 years later for my first cancer and going on 5 years for the 2nd cancer. For my first cancer I also had a young baby at the time and I am sure that was part of why they gave me a private room. I was able to keep my son with me and actively encouraged to do so, prior to my surgery. ... View more