I WAS in Leighton Hospital for a few days recently for a minor operation.
All went well and after the operation the ward sister booked an ambulance to take me home the next day.
The ambulance was booked to collect me from the ward between 8.30am and 12.30pm. I should explain that I am a double amputee and use a wheelchair and have no other way of getting home.
I was ready and waiting from 8.30am and by noon no ambulance had arrived. I asked the sister to enquire about it and she was told the collection had been changed to an afternoon. I waited until 4pm and asked again, and was told the drivers worked until 6.30pm.
I had a word with the matron and the sister and both agreed to book a taxi to take me home. The sister rang the taxi firm but no taxi that could take my wheelchair was available until 7pm. I enquired and was told that the driver was waiting at the main entrance. I arrived home just before 8pm.
I had waited for 11 hours sitting in my wheelchair and not once, all day, did the ambulance office call to explain.
I think this is a disgrace. Not only was I messed about, but my wife was waiting at home not knowing when I would arrive. The next day I got in touch with the ambulance head office at Liverpool to complain and two weeks and 10 phone calls later I have not received any explanation for the very poor service, let alone an apology.
LEIGHTON PATIENT
(name and address supplied)
