Mum’s disgust at A&E care

Jacqueline Knapper: “disgusting” treatment

A DISABLED woman was left in tears after being sent home from hospital in soiled underwear in the early hours of the morning.

Jacqueline Knapper was disgusted by her treatment at the Royal Oldham Hospital after receiving no help from staff during her ordeal.

Ms Knapper, who suffers from several serious health problems, called an ambulance after 11pm on February 19. Once there, she said she told staff she would need help walking or visiting the bathroom.

But she wasn’t helped and the Shaw mother of four was left in her own mess during a four-hour stay.

The 53 year old said: “The whole incident was so degrading. I was so embarrassed walking through the hospital in that condition and nobody lifted a finger to help me.”

After being checked and given an X-ray and treatment she was discharged to return home around 4.30am.

“The hospital called me a taxi and paid for it after I explained I had no money on me or at home. But they forced me to walk to the doors without a wheelchair. I find it very difficult and painful to walk, but the nurses didn’t care. I was in tears, struggling to walk and in soiled underwear.

“It was a disgusting way to treat a disabled lady.”

Ms Knapper is considering making a formal complaint against the hospital.

Karen Jackson, divisional clinical manager at the Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department, said: “We are sorry Ms Knapper has felt the need to complain about her care. These are serious allegations and we have contacted her directly to discuss the issues.”