Rhyl woman in agony after cancelled operation

Jun 25 2008 by David Rutland, Rhyl Visitor

A WOMAN from Rhyl who endured months of agony following a repeatedly misdiagnosed injury was turned away from a scheduled operation because of an argument over payment.

In March, Andrea Torkoniak was given no less than four different and incorrect diagnoses for a meniscus cartilage tear at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.

Frustrated, she travelled to Trafford Hospital in Manchester, where an urgent MRI scan revealed that the cartilage behind her kneecap had broken.

But after travelling to Manchester again for a pre booked operation, Andrea was told she would have to remain in agony because funding for the operation had not been sent through.

“It’s a disgrace. How they can put money before somebody’s health?” said Andrea this week.

“They had sent me an appointment, so they should have known whether the money was or wasn’t there.

“I had travelled to Manchester by train and stayed over in a bed and breakfast. I hadn’t eaten anything the day before and the head nurse just sent me home.

“My knee has been like this for nearly four months now and it’s still exactly the same. I’m in a lot of pain and this is giving me a lot of stress.”

A meniscus cartilage tear is usually caused by sharp twisting motions and is most often suffered by footballers.

And although small ones may repair themselves over time, major injuries such as Andrea’s require the patient to go under the knife before they can get on with their lives.

The Welsh healthcare system requires English Trusts to seek prior approval from patients’ local health boards before they can be seen and again, and before they can be treated.

It has emerged that Trafford Hospital staff had scheduled an appointment before the approval had been given.

Sally Baxter, spokesman for Denbighshire Local Health Board, said: “We are sorry that this lady travelled to Trafford Hospital expecting to undergo a procedure which was not then able to take place.

“In this case the LHB had not given approval as we had requested details of the procedure needed.

“I have spoken with the Trafford Hospital staff to discuss how this situation can be avoided in future and I hope that we can prevent any other patient from this inconvenience and distress.”

david.rutland