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Broken ankle and physiotherapy support

Posted By Jane51

"Broken ankle and physiotherapy support"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Bones, joint and fractures Rutherglen & Cambuslang Locality Support Service / ICST (Community Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy) Rutherglen & Cambuslang

(as the patient),

I broke my ankle in November while visiting a relative in Yorkshire.

I was subsequently transferred to  QEUH and then home. Was in plaster for 3 Months. Discharged by hospital in March and told I was referred for physiotherapy. Received a letter inviting me to an "Integrated Community Support Team" group event in a sports centre which would have been wholly inappropriate for me at that time as I could not walk except with a zimmer frame.

I telephoned to cancel that appointment and after explaining my situation was allocated an appointment at my local practice.

When I got to the appointment, I discovered that the appointment was actually for a hip problem for which I had self-referred in late 2024. With great difficulty I got myself to the appointment.

The staff quickly realised that my current situation was a more pressing need and were very supportive in assessing my needs and providing immediate support and advice.

I had been housebound since November 24 and therefore a home visit was arranged.  The advice and assistance offered by the staff at Rutherglen Primary Care was invaluable in setting me on the road to recovery.

The Physiotherapist (Andrew) has given me advice and support and most of all encouragement to get walking again.  I had lost confidence in my ability to get out of the house at all but with his encouragement and patient instruction, I am making progress day by day.  I am still very nervous when going out but have managed two outing alone now. 

The break I suffered was a serious "Talus Calcaneal" fracture.

I am extremely grateful and have benefitted enormously from the expert care this service has provided and commend their work as exemplary.

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Responses

Response from Team Leader - Physiotherapy, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership 4 days ago
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 29/04/2025 at 15:06
Published on Care Opinion on 30/04/2025 at 08:51

Dear Jane51,

Thank you for taking time to post this very helpful feedback about your experiences with both your outpatient (the sports centre visit and outpatient clinic appointment) and community physiotherapy (at home) input, after your serious injury.

I am sorry to hear about your fracture, and also that you had to wait before seeing a physiotherapist after your discharge from hospital. I am glad that your immediate and pressing needs were prioritised when you were seen, and a home visit appointment was then arranged.

I also apologise that the home visit was not arranged right away after leaving hospital, as that might have helped you to regain confidence earlier. Communication between the hospitals and our community teams is a priority and I am sorry that in this instance it appears to have faltered.

Thanks very much for your feedback about Andrew's encouragement and expert care. I will pass your feedback to Andrew and to the team, as well as to management. It's great that you are starting to find your confidence and be able to get outdoors again and I hope you continue to improve and get back to full function and mobility.

Thanks again and kind regards,

Response from Nicola O'Donnell, Physiotherapy, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership 4 days ago
Nicola O'Donnell
Physiotherapy,
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 29/04/2025 at 16:31
Published on Care Opinion at 16:31

picture of Nicola O'Donnell

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback, it is greatly appreciated. I'm really pleased to hear that despite a few initial hurdles, you were able to access the right service to support your specific needs during such a difficult time.

We are always looking for ways to improve peoples experiences, and your reflections and insights will help with this.

I am really happy to hear how valuable you found Andrew's professional advice and support and that you are now making good progress in your rehabilitation and regaining confidence.

Wishing you all the very best as you continue on your recovery Journey.

Nicola

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Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 3 days ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 30/04/2025 at 08:49
Published on Care Opinion at 08:49

picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Jane51

On behalf of the Orthopaedic Team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I am sorry about the issues you experienced with your appointments., however, I am glad that the Rutherglen Primary Care Team were able to assess your needs and provide immediate support and advice. It is clear how much Andrew’s advice and support has meant to you.

Best wishes

Nicole

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