A MAN with tumours on his spine faces an agonising wait to discover his fate because of a delay in his transport to hospital.
Alcester resident Alistair Williams missed the vital appointment at Leamington Spa Hospital last Friday (May 16) to assess his condition because an ambulance failed to collect him in time.
Despite booking with the non-emergency Patient Transport Service, run by West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Blackthorn Way resident was left waiting at his home for hours before the ambulance turned up after his scheduled appointment time.
“My appointment was supposed to be for 1.30pm then it changed to 2pm but the ambulance didn’t arrive to collect me until 2.30pm.” he told the Standard.
“The driver then told me he had to pick someone else up from Stratford on the way so we wouldn’t get to the hospital until after 3.30pm – two hours after my appointment.”
He added because of the mix-up he would be unable to see a specialist before July.
“I now have to wait in this pain. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy, I’m just in agony.” he said.
“It gets worse everyday and the stress of all of this has just made it worse.
“No one rang me, and the driver didn’t even apologise or give a reason. It’s just disgusting.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were sorry for the delay.
“Our Control Room should have called Mr Williams and the hospital to inform them of the delay.
“This appears not to have happened, for which we again apologise.”
