"Nightmare that is Fracture Clinic"

After fracturing my foot in 4 places and in agony my 1st visit to Fracture clinic was a baptism of fire.

The clinic was heaving 78 patients for a morning clinic with 2 Drs.

Thankfully I only waited 2.5hrs and returned home in plaster but with no plan, no hope and little reassurance.

The 2nd visit was horrific as I waited for X-ray to be told NO X-ray. Plaster removed, seriously bruised swollen foot got rammed into massive uncomfortable moon boot by OT. DIDNT SEE DR. After falling 2x with boot I stuck my old cast back on with masking tape and festered at home for a week (Easter holidays so no plaster technicians ...closed!).

My 3rd trip was equally confusing, no plan and still ? surgery, I felt like I was going mad but I got a knee high plaster with appt to return in 3weeks.

The clinic is poky, no room for wheelchairs or souls on crutches, it’s a trip hazard in itself.

The nurses call you from the desk expecting you to come.....in a non self propelling bariatric wheelchair ughhhh!

I’ve given up and had to see a Consultant privately where now I have a plan, direction, hope and a boot that fits! More importantly I TRUST him and I’m happy.

Whilst the staff were pleasant they were clearly overwhelmed not helped that many patients become frustrated and upset at the confusion.

Clearly this clinic is totally oversubscribed and it’s a lottery as to who you will see (maybe not a Dr).

I’m on low income however I’d rather not eat for a month than go back to Fracture Clinic. It’s noisy, busy, no room to move and claustrophobic.

My recommendation...... a fact sheet explaining the procedure in this chaotic busy clinic where no one really seems to know what’s going on.

If you have an appointment....take a long book and expect others to share your appointment time.

Cattle market/Conveyor belt.