"Fracture Clinic"

Following an ankle fracture and surgery in Scotland, I returned to Lancashire for rehabilitation and referred to Chorley fracture clinic for treatment.

The first referral was excellent.

There was a longer wait than expected, but this was totally fine given the volume of patients and the clearly busy nature of the department. I had stitches out, was placed into a cast by friendly staff and had new X-rays before seeing a helpful consultant who advised well on rehabilitation plan whilst in the cast.

This visit was first class.

6 weeks later, I came back for my second appointment - the nursing and receptionist staff were all as helpful as the previous visit.

Cast was taken off and X-rays were taken.

It is at this point, I saw a stand-in for my normal consultant.

Regrettably, this consultant was exceptionally rude, abrupt and in no mood for pleasantries what so ever.

I am not aware of the consultant's name as they did not introduce themselves to me at all.

The consultant's initial question asked when the fracture took place.

I could not remember off the top of my head, so to help remarked it was on a copy of the referral letter they had open on the screen, and said mid-January.

The consultant abruptly snapped, and said: "6 weeks.

That is the information that I ACTUALLY needed to know" in an aggressive tone.

The consultant then looked at the X-rays and said the bones were healing well, and then checked the wounds from the operation.

They peeled off the dressing covering one wound.

I remarked there was another dressing politely, and the consultant once again abruptly snapped saying: "I am fully aware of that.

I can only do one thing at once."

The nurse in the room then asked if they could help by taking the old dressings.

The consultant was then rude to them and said "That would be pointless, because I have already touched it."

I then asked on the treatment plan moving forward.

The consultant vaguely suggested to weight bear "as appropriate."

I asked for more clarity, and then remarked - "Ok, you can have a boot, wear it for 2 weeks, actually no 1 week, but ween yourself off it.

You can come back in 6 weeks."

I was fully expecting to have received a referral to the physio team was not even discussed or mentioned.

I understand the NHS is under pressure, but there is simply no reason for this behaviour from anyone, let alone a healthcare professional in this high level position.

It completely escaped them that when recovering from a fracture, these appointments are crucial to recovery and well-being, and to get back to work.

I felt that way I was spoken to was appalling.

Such a shame given how fantastic the rest of the staff were.

I am now left completely unaware of how to proceed moving forward, as I simply don't trust the advice given, and will probably have to see my GP, spend money on a private physio or make a further appointment.

Once again, so disappointing one person ruined what was otherwise excellent care.