"The Podiatry team at east Surrey Hospital"

Last year, I was admitted to hospital with an infected foot. I’m 60 years old and have had diabetes for 20 years, so I knew that this kind of complication was to be expected. The infection became an ulcer (osteomyelitis). I was seen by a consultant, who told me that the only treatment option was to amputate my foot. Of course, I was very upset and asked for a second opinion.

I looked up online, all about my options and discussed it with my wife. I found a doctor in London, and asked for advice. I was told to go to my GP and get a specific drug (called sodium fusidate). My GP suggested I speak to the hospital, and get the consultant to prescribe the drug. After this happened, I saw incredible results. After a few months, the osteomyelitis went away, and now a year later, my foot is fine.

I cannot believe that they almost cut my foot off! How could there be so little care for keeping my foot attached, particularly when there was such an effective alternative. The podiatry team at East Surrey were so surprised!

This feedback system is a great thing – I’m pleased to have a way to let the hospital and everyone else know when they get it wrong. I hope they are more careful in future.