A para world-champion badminton player is speaking out over what he says is an ‘abysmal’ lack of services for amputees in the NHS Highland area.
Steven Moodie from Inverness says understaffing and a lack of specialist care is impacting on all aspects of daily life for prosthetic patients.
The dad-of-four became an amputee 18 years ago following an accident at work.
The life-changing incident didn’t stop him becoming a world champion at Badminton, taking gold in Guatemala in 2011.
But he says that he’s one of a number of people being failed by NHS Highland’s prosthetic services, and it’s taking its toll.
Steven said: “Unfortunately it seems at times there’s no staff.
“You are so reliant on a couple of individuals for that for the whole of the Highlands and Islands.
“I am fully dependent on my limb, being able to put it on to walk to function, the basics, my basic quality of life is in question.
“Every time you need something, there’s no confidence, there’s no value. My experience is that you are not valued as a patient. My understanding of the NHS is that should be part of the basics.”
Steven is currently signed off work and says poorly fitting prosthetics are causing issues for amputees in every aspect of daily life.
STV NewsHe said: “There’s been multiple people getting in touch with me who are also affected. I have had to build myself up speak out – you fear repercussions, I am so dependent on my local service.
“It used to be great but now it’s abysmal. It’s terrible for us.”
NHS Highland said in a statement: “We are sorry the patient has not received the care they would expect.
“We are unable to comment on individual cases and would always encourage patients to contact our feedback team so their case can be considered in more detail.
“We recognise the need to continually improve our services, and patient feedback and experience are crucial to this process.”
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