"Incorrectly fitted surgical corset"

This story has been posted by Healthwatch Tameside on behalf of a member of the public who asked not to have their name published. They said…

Elderly lady discharged from Tameside Hospital after investigations to spine. Has lumbar fracture. Referred to Surgical Appliance Dept. for surgical corset. Person who dealt with her didn’t have any information or notes about her, and didn’t have the correct size of garment to fit her. Sent her home with an uncomfortable corset which was too small and restricted her breathing. She has had previous heart attacks and felt she was in danger of having another, so hasn’t worn the garment.

When she enquired about an appointment to check if she had the correct appliance, was given a date when her daughter is away. The daughter is an occupational therapist and this lady (who has no difficulty in understanding or expressing herself) felt that she was not treated with respect, and maybe this member of staff would be more likely to discuss things professionally with her daughter. So she will not attend her appointment and hasn’t been able to cancel it by phone. She is distressed by this experience and has lost faith in the hospital generally.