A Springfield man facing up to blindness unless he has corrective laser eye surgery has had a vital operation delayed because of a broken bulb in laser equipment at Broomfield Hospital
The sight of 90-year-old William Hickey, of Meon Close, is so bad that he cannot read a newspaper.
Last week, he was still waiting for treatment at Broomfield's ophthalmic department originally scheduled for May 15
Mr Hickey, a retired local government officer, said: "I am incensed. Blood is leaking into the back of my left eye and my surgeon has told me I may go blind within five years.
"The hospital said they didn't have a spare bulb which is a terrible admission.
Mr Hickey had a successful operation on his right eye five years ago, but his current treatment has proved more problematic: "There were half a dozen others waiting for the treatment," he said.
"We were told we had to reapply for the surgery. I did so and was rebooked for June 2
"When I went in, though, they still hadn't found a replacement bulb. I am waiting to hear from the hospital and have not had an apology except from the surgeon, for whom I feel very sorry. You wonder where their money is going if they don't even have a spare bulb.
A spokeswoman for the hospital apologised to any outpatients inconvenienced and said that the bulbs were routinely kept in stock.
On this occasion, however, a replacement could not be found.
She added that another bulb was ordered from Germany, which failed to turn up when expected, but had now arrived. Patients whose treatment was postponed were being rebooked
Published Monday, June 16, 2003
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