"Patient transfer injury."

My Mother in law has spent a period of 6 weeks in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, then Dr Grays Hospital following a fractured ankle and tibial nailing procedure, with exceptional treatment in both hospitals. She required further physio input for rehabilitation and was transferred to Stephen Hospital in Dufftown in February.

The transfer from Dr Grays Hospital was in a private taxi. The wheelchair was secured into the back of the taxi, but my mother in law commented on not feeling secure herself. At one stage in the journey the taxi driver was required to stop suddenly and my mother in law jutted forward from her wheelchair and hit her, thankfully good leg, on a piece of metal inside of the taxi. This required dressing on arrival to Stephen Hospital. At the time the driver stopped the car, got out and looked at the knee as they were aware me Mother in law had yelped. They said something to the effect that it was just a scratch and got back in the car, without an apology of any kind. 

Speaking with my Mother in law, who still resides in Stephen Hospital, she wished to raise the following issues;

Whilst her wheelchair was secured, she definitely was not. As a result she incurred a small injury, but one that should not have occurred at all.

She was both angry and disappointed at the dismissive nature of the driver who was clearly unfazed by the injury. It would appear that it was only luck that it was not a further injury to an area of healing skin graft. 

She was also shocked that there was no apology as a result. 

This is not the standard of care that is expected during an inter hospital transfer. 

As a family member and NHS staff member I am appalled with this scenario. I feel that an apology should be forthcoming and an official complaint should be made to the private taxi firm.