76-year-old patient forced to hop after hospital ran out of wheelchairs

A 76-year-old patient with a broken ankle has been forced to hop after a hospital ran out of wheelchairs.

Jacqueline Wainwright has told Neil Mitchell her husband, Simon, had to hop around the Northern Hospital car park because they didn’t have any wheelchairs free.

The hospital said they frequently disappear, like shopping trolleys.

‘You can’t visit that problem on us, he needs a wheelchair,’ Ms Wainwright said.

The hospital apologised to Mr Wainwright for his experience.

They say they have bought a dozen new ones that are not collapsible, so people can’t put them in the boot of their car.

Health Minister Jill Hennessey says she is aware of the problem and is investigating. 

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