A320 Captain found maintenance had failed to accomplish required MEL procedures to defer a broken infant changing table. Notwithstanding this failure his release and the aircraft logbook stated the deferral process was complete and the aircraft was legal for flight.

Narrative

I briefed and then checked with the flight attendant's about deferred cabin items and then I personally checked to see if the required deferral stickers were in place for several deferred cabin write ups. I discovered that there was no sticker on the changing table in the forward lavatory. A rear hinge was broken and if someone placed a squirming infant on it the baby would have fallen through the side of the table certainly causing scrapes and perhaps greater injury. I tried to call Operations; but no one answered; so I called Maintenance Control and asked for a Mechanic. The Maintenance Controller was not happy that I wouldn't 'just place a sticker' on the table. I then pulled the deferral placard from ACARS and discovered that not only was no sticker in place; but NONE OF THE REQUIRED PROCEDURES had been accomplished! I called Maintenance Control again and told them the entire deferral procedure would have to be accomplished. Mechanics from another airline showed up and properly deferred the item. After departure I checked to see what the delay code was and was informed by Dispatch that it was a delay. I called Operations later and asked about that and was told this is what Maintenance Control told them to do. This is the 4th time this (items deferred in the computer when NO WORK has been done) has happened to me in three months and at least the 8th time in the last year. Do you think there is a problem with the maintenance system management has put in place? Obviously; neither the FAA or company management is willing or able to do anything about this persistent and dangerous problem. Once again; I implore the FAA to ACT! Hold senior management accountable for the incessant pushing and shortage of qualified mechanics! DO SOMETHING!