They won’t treat me... because I’m a SCOT
Specialist Midlands hospital snub Ayr war veteran
A soldier who lost his legs in Afghanistan will no longer get treatment in England – because he’s from Ayr.
Callum Brown, 28, still endures horrific pain from injuries caused by a bomb blast six years ago.
He said yesterday: “I am sitting here without my legs because I fought for this country.
“This is the ultimate slap in the face. I am still in shock and can barely get my head around it.”
Former lance corporal Callum has been under the care of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where he was treated after being airlifted home, as it has dedicated facilities for military casualties.
But, on his last visit, Callum and wife Laura were stunned to be told he could no longer attend the hospital because he doesn’t live in England.
Now Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Bill Grant is trying to help sort out the issue. He said: “Callum lost his legs in the service of his country. We simply cannot let him down, and he must be given the specialist treatment he needs in the hospital best able to offer it.
“I have been in touch with UK Government departments to ensure that’s what happens.”
Callum said: “When I was down there, a senior member of staff told me he was ashamed to say they could no longer treat me there.
“He said it was because the English NHS would no longer foot the bill for me there since I wasn’t from England.
“I couldn’t understand it. Last time I checked, I fought for the British Army. It is absolutely disgusting. This is a massive injustice. It makes me so angry, I can barely speak.
“I also receive a painkilling cannabis spray down there because I am in constant pain but it looks like I won’t get that either.”
Callum lost his legs in 2011 in a bomb explosion on his last patrol before he was due to return home.
Callum, who served with 2 Scots, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, lost two- thirds of his body weight as he recovered from the blast.
Callum said: “I have been going to the Queen Elizabeth for ages. They are simply the best at what they do.
“I would not be here without them. I have paid my taxes for years so why shouldn’t I continue to get my treatment and medication down there? We are supposed to be living in the United Kingdom – it feels more like the disunited kingdom.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the NHS in Scotland but they simply do not have the specialists to treat me.”
Laura said: “We were told the English will no longer foot the bill for Callum’s health care. Not just Callum’s – but any other veterans not living in England.
“So, basically, they are happy to have him go to war for them but they are not prepared to give them the best care after that. Many lads would not be here today without the specialists based down there.”
The trust who run the hospital said: “University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have arranged two more follow- up appointments to determine the effectiveness of Mr Brown’s latest cycle of treatment.
“If he needs further treatment within the trust, we would need to seek pre- approved funding from NHS Scotland.”