My mother has been waiting for a hip replacement for 37 weeks, since being referred in mid January. She had first pre-op in May and a date of late July (already past 18 weeks). This was cancelled on the Friday afternoon before 7am Monday admission for the op that day. More time passes. Second date early October was again cancelled on the Friday afternoon. We now wait in limbo for another date. Each time have to repeat pre-op and other tests. Living outside Plymouth this means a long journey costing £60 taxi each time (previous use of patient transport left us in the lurch).
We understand the severe funding crisis the NHS faces and how professional staff are, we feel, brought to the limit by the shortfall of beds, staffing and patience of all involved. We feel powerless without any options to get this essential treatment. My mother's mobility has worsened such that she cannot now get to public transport and it has had a serious affect on her quality of life. What can we do?
"Waiting for hip op"
About: Derriford Hospital / General surgery Derriford Hospital General surgery PL6 8DH Derriford Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics Derriford Hospital Trauma and orthopaedics PL6 8DH
Posted by Carer46 (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Alison Stanton