BOTCHED JOB
DIY enthusiast John dropped a radiator on his foot Weeks later his leg was amputated below the knee He blames docs for failing to treat his injury properly
A DIY enthusiast has told how he had his leg amputated – three weeks after medical staff told him there was “nothing to worry about”.
John Traynor went to hospital after dropping a radiator on his foot. He claims his leg could have been saved if he had received proper treatment at the time.
A PENSIONER’S life has been shattered after he lost part of his leg following a DIY accident.
John Traynor believes he could have been spared the amputation if medical staff had done their jobs properly.
The 66-year-old went to hospital twice and saw his GP after a radiator fell on his foot.
He said that, on each occasion, he was sent home.
About a fortnight after the accident, John suffered a mini-stroke and ended up back in hospital.
It was only then that the seriousness of his foot injury was picked up.
By that time, septicaemia had set in and, within days, his leg had to be amputated below the knee.
John said: “I have dreams about still having two legs but then I wake up. I used to be an active person. Now, I’m caged up like a monkey.”
The dad of three’s ordeal began at his home in Airdrie last month when the radiator fell on his foot as he was moving it.
Suspecting he may have broken his toes, John went to the town’s Monklands Hospital expecting to get an X-ray.
Instead, he was sent home and told to rest.
After three days – and with the pain intensifying – John returned to A&E and was given painkillers.
He saw his GP two days later and was sent home with a tubular bandage.
The full extent of his foot injuries were discovered when he suffered a mini stroke.
Septicaemia – blood poisoning – was diagnosed and three toes were amputated at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride.
John was warned there was the possibility of the infection spreading further.
He said that three days later, he was
The hospital failed me. I knew the injury was serious but they said it would just ‘go away’
given just 90 minutes to agree to his leg being amputated.
He added: “I just kept thinking, ‘What do I do?’ I didn’t want to lose my leg, but didn’t feel there was any alternative.
“It was a horrible decision to have to make but losing it below the knee means I’ve probably saved my full leg.”
John is convinced his leg could have been spared if staff at Monklands had done their job when he first went to A&E.
He said: “I knew something was wrong at the start and feel Monklands should have treated me then.
“It would have been a simple
procedure to lance the bad blood out and prevent the infection spreading.
“Instead, they failed me and treated me like a second-class citizen. I’ve completely lost faith in Monklands Hospital.”
John, who is recovering at home, is having difficulty coping with his disability.
He added: “It’s really hard to come to terms with and I don’t know if I ever will. I used to take my dogs for a walk, go out with my wife and spend time at our caravan.”
John is trying to focus on regaining some mobility for a special day next year.
He said: “My daughter Lorna is getting married and I’m determined to walk her down the aisle. The thought of not being able to give her away saddens me greatly.”
The whole of John’s family have been left reeling by his nightmare.
His wife Margaret said: “It’s very upsetting and still hard for all of us to take in. It’s been a terrible shock, especially when we were told there was nothing to worry about.”
The family have submitted an official complaint to NHS Lanarkshire, who have launched an investigation
But despite the need for expensive home alterations, such as a chairlift and wet room, John maintains he’s not seeking
financial compensation. The former Army medical technician said: “All I want is an apology. I knew I had an injury that was serious but was told it would ‘go away’. “I’ve no idea how long it’ll take to accept this – but an apology would help.”
Nichola Summers, interim director of hospital services at Monklands Hospital, said: “We regret any instance where a patient feels that we have failed to provide the highest standards of care.
“Although we can’t comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality, I can confirm we are in contact with the family and an investigation is under way.
“As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”