"I have no idea what will happen next"

Over the last four years I have been attending the Podiatry & orthopeadic services in NHSL with a longstanding very painful condition on my foot. Surgery was mentioned as an option on my first ortho consultation with a surgeon four years ago but after discussion and taking into consideration my lifestyle. occupation etc, I opted for conservative management.

However over time the symptoms have worsened and it has become apparent that I need further treatment in the form of day case surgery.

Unfortunately because I live in the catchment area for Wishaw General, I cannot be operated on in Lanarkshire, despite the fact that there is an experienced foot & ankle surgeon who practices in Hairmyres Hospital and I am more than willing to travel.

I was so surprised to hear this, I left the consultation without getting clarity around the reasons for this,

Ironically, I have been employed with the NHS for over 30 years and it has been suggested that the condition I suffer from is very common in Health care workers as we spend most of our working lives on our feet.

At present I have no idea what will happen next, but I would like to know now why is there a restriction on treatment depending on where we live, that does not seem equitable or person centered.