"What a nightmare!"

I damaged my Achilles tendon on Saturday while playing netball. I was taken to Gloucester Royal. I was dealt with within two hours but, I was not given any form of scan or x-ray. I think an x-ray would have possibly not have shown anything anyway as it seemed the scanner didn’t work or that they had no-one who could use it.

I was then put in plaster and given crutches. I was then told to phone the Fracture clinic at the Royal Gwent on Monday as this was the nearest Hospital to where I live. I wasn’t given any information as to the extent of my injury, whether it was a partial tear, full tear or what. I’d also not been told how long I’d be in plaster or given the notes to take with me to the Royal Gwent.

Monday came and I phoned the Royal Gwent Trauma Clinic. I was told they couldn’t see me for a week. I think if this injury isn’t checked I could be left with permanent damage. I then decided to go to the A& E at the Royal Gwent where I was dealt with very quickly. I was re-plastered and told to phone the Trauma Clinic. I got through and was told my details were not entered on the system and to phone back later that afternoon. I did and couldn’t get through. I got through at 8.30 pm and left a message on the answer phone. I then phoned the next day at 9.30am to be told the same thing. I am a PE teacher and have a son of 18 months old. I feel this is not an acceptable level of care. I feel very let down and very much left in the dark. I am now going to pay and go private! I believe I shouldn’t have to as I am a tax payer but feel I have no choice.