Grangemouth paramedic resigns due to safety concerns and alleged management abuse

"When I saw the tea towel soaked in blood, I knew we had to rush to FVRH A&E"

He believes that all the work done by the front-line medical team to treat patients has not received the praise it deserves.

When he made the above remarks, Labert Hospital’s emergency room waiting time data was still the worst in Scotland, with less than half the number of people receiving treatment within the four-hour target.

On October 15, 68-year-old Alistair Neilson was helping his neighbor next door. When the chainsaw he was using slipped, he was cutting some logs for his wood-burning stove.

When it slipped from the bench where he was working, he tried to prevent it from hitting the ground, and his three fingers were seriously injured.

He said: "I wrapped a tea towel in my hand and called my GP for advice. However, they told me they could do nothing and called the NHS Helpline 111.

"I waited for 20 minutes without responding. Seeing how much blood was soaked in the tea towel, I told my wife Janice that I think we should go to the emergency room."

The couple arrived at the hospital at 2:45 pm. He was diverted within half an hour. Two orthopedic doctors were examining his wounds.

Alistair said: "About six people were waiting when they arrived, but the receptionist saw my blood-stained hand and quickly saw me.

"I cleaned it with a local anesthetic and then performed an X-ray. They also checked whether my tetanus needle was up to date, and by 7:30 in the evening, I was sent home."

Two days later, he received a call saying that they wanted him to receive further hand treatment under general anesthesia at 10 am on Monday.

Once it was successfully completed and the staff ensured that he had food and drink, and was fit to move around, he was allowed to return to his home in Cumbernauld.

However, while he was waiting for the operation, he personally experienced the abuse by medical staff.

He said: "There was a woman with a hip fracture that needed surgery. While they were waiting, her daughter was very abusive to the staff.

"I told her to calm down because my surgery has been postponed so that her mother can be treated. I am happy to wait. The way she speaks to them is shocking.

"Thank God, she quieted down after that. Obviously her behavior is not uncommon, it's scary.

"Of course, we won't be like the United States in the end, where hospitals have ward managers to control people."

Former BP Grangemouth employee Alistair said that the treatment and follow-up appointments he received at the time of the accident were second to none.

"The only thing they care about is getting me treated and making sure I don't have pain.

"There are many people who are critical of the hospital staff, but I will always be grateful for the care I get."