"Dislocated and Fractured Ankle Treatment and Care"

I was unfortunate enough to have an accident on holiday resulting in a dislocated ankle with numerous fractures.  

The small hospital on the Greek island where able pull on my dislocated ankle to bring back some alignment, but I chose to return to the UK for the surgery I required.  

The difficulties in getting home via our insurance company are another story,  but I arrived at Manchester  airport at 1am with a painful, swollen unstable broken ankle that was in a make shift cast held together with sticky tape.  After dropping kids with relatives I needed to get to an A&E.   We considered stopping at Manchester or other hospitals on route , but opted to drive to our local hospital (RLI) as this would make follow up apts easier etc and would be easier for visits if I was admitted etc.

I arrived at RLI A&E at 3am and my husband went in to collect a wheelchair for me. He returned with a helpful HCA and a wheelchair and I was assisted into A and E.  My details where taken at a desk and I was quickly taken into a room where I was given pain relief. 

I was then taken to X Ray, the radiographer explaining the images he was taking then and checking in with me about the pain each time.  

I would like to add that A&E appeared to be full of people who had long term mental health and social issues.   There wee emotionally distressed patient''s and  police on site.   The staff where clearly working hard to.manage the needs of these people. 

After XRay I was moved to a  cubicle where I was examined by a doctor and supported again by a caring HCA who provided great care and skillfully made me a new back slab cast single handed. (very impressed they can do this splint with just one person). 

Shortly afterwards a consultant came to see me and explained everything about the need for surgery in detail.  Consent forms were signed and next thing I knew I was in surgery.  The porters where really helpful with my bags and reassuring too. 

In recovery,  I remember bring semi conscious,  I could hear the staff but couldn't respond as they monitored by obs and adjusted oxygen etc.  I recall listening and just thinking "these guys know what they are doing so I'm safe". 

Later I was transferred to ward 33.  The staff on this ward are wonderful and caring especially the HCAs who memorised by hot drink order after the first round and the night shift staff who went above and beyond trying to help me get comfortable when I complained of heel pain and the feeling of pressure on my heel. 

I was none weight bearing and the therapy staff supported me to get mobile with crutches and plan for managing at home on one leg. 

My only little niggle was handover.  It was quite lound (seemed louder than normal voices? ) and I was a bit embarrassed to hear myself being discussed,   although nothing negative was said and I understand handover of shifts is needed) but it did seem really loud?

The follow up at fracture clinic has been good but improvement could be made.  

I had to call to get an appointment to get staples removed after 2 weeks as the original  appointment sent was for 4 weeks after surgery which would have been too long for the staples to stay in. (receptionist said they can't see date of surgery so just schedule 2 weeks from getting the request). 

Once at fracture clinic I've generally had x ray, cast removal or change and spoken to te consultant.   It's good that the letter highlights that these appointments take a few hours due to all the  different people you see.  However,  I think the trust should consider providing more written information to patients on what to expect at fracture clinic.  Advice such as taking pain relief before cast changes,  bringing two shoes for later appointments and general  cast care advice/contact details for plaster room etc would be helpful.   I found the clip removal and 1st cast change with repositiong of my ankle quite painful.  I'd take pain relief but would have taken something stronger had I known about the repositioning.  

After my cast was removed I was refered to and seen quickly by outpatient physio.   

Overall,  I've been very happy with the care and treatment I have received and would recommend RLI.