A Newport man left with life-altering injuries after a diving incident has spoken out about the lack of support he says he’s encountered since an operation intended to improve his mobility. Andy Webster, who was injured in a diving accident a decade ago, says he has been “wasting away” at home after being operated on in August, stating he feels neglected at home without proper rehabilitation or self-care assistance.
“It has just been a total nightmare and I’ve not had the help and support I should have had. I haven’t eaten properly for ages as I can’t cook,” Mr Webster revealed, sharing the extent of his despair: “No-one is listening to me or helping me.”
Mr Webster was injured in 2014 when he believes he struck his foot against a rock while diving in Thailand. The situation gradually worsened to the point of needing a scooter for mobility over the last four years. Although the surgery to lengthen his hamstrings at Llandough Hospital near Cardiff was anticipated to be a turning point after an eight-year battle for mobility and independence and Mr Webster being forced to give up work, the 61-year-old claims he has been only received minimal visits from a physiotherapist since and has no support system to rely on at his Ridgeway residence.
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His fears pre-surgery regarding how he would manage are now his reality, despite seeking assurance that support and rehabilitation would be in place. Mr Webster now fears the intended benefit of the surgery have been lost.
He recounted his conversation with the consultant: “I asked the consultant can you make sure I get proper physiotherapy and a bit of support as well as I’m on my own. The consultant said, physio yes, but support ‘I’m not so sure’ and said ‘you know how things are with support services’.”
Despite his request for assistance, Mr Webster says his experience with physiotherapy has been inconsistent. He said he was too ill to leave his bed when the first physiotherapist visited, and subsequent appointments have not been regularly scheduled, leaving him to liaise with the health board himself.
While he praised Newport City Council for their previous support, Mr Webster says he has now been left in a state of uncertainty. While a care agency has visited him, something he believes is bceause a medication overdose led to a referral from the ambulance service, Mr Webster says they could only offer limited help, proposing to prepare sandwiches during brief visits.
Struggling to cook while confined to his scooter, Mr Webster expressed his distress: “I’m being left alone and I’m wasting away. It’s absolutely crazy,” noting that he does not receive regular visits from carers.
In response to inquiries about Mr Webster’s situation, a spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board stated that they cannot discuss individual cases. However, they assured that all patients requiring rehabilitation support at home undergo assessments to determine care tailored to their specific needs, with various health professionals collaborating across teams to maintain continuity of care.
The spokesperson stated: “We’re sorry to hear that Mr Webster is unhappy with the care he has received following his operation. We would ask Mr Webster to contact us directly so that we can discuss the support received and any concerns regarding our services.” Newport City Council was approached for comment.