Limb unit patients hit back after critic's blast

AMPUTEES in Swan- sea have praised the latest limb unit at the city's Morriston Hospital.

Yesterday the Evening Post reported the criticisms of one amputee who was unhappy with a lack of access and vending machines at the recently revamped unit.

But two long-term amputees in the city have since welcomed the investment made by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board to improve the services at the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (ALAC) in Morriston.

Father-of-four Phil Giles lost his lower right leg after an accident at a power station in Baglan in June, 2004.

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The 46-year-old also had to have his right hand sewn back on after the accident which left him stuck in the same position for three hours.

Mr Giles now lives in Loughor, and said: "The hospital has been absolutely brilliant. They are really nice people and everybody understands what you are going through.

"The service is second to none and they have never let me down.

"If you need advice or help they are more than accomm- odating."

Grandfather David Williams also uses the ALAC unit after losing his right leg at the age of 15 in an accident whilst working in the steel- works in Morriston.

The 78-year-old said: "When you are a teenager you take it in your stride.

"You can imagine how my parents felt, my father was a steelworker as well."

Mr Williams now lives in Treboeth and has recently had to use the ALAC unit as he is suffering problems with his prosthetic leg.

The pensioner said: "I am on a course of antibiotics and they are examining my leg situation.

"I can't fault the staff there at the unit.

"The facilities there are amazing.

"When I first lost my leg I had to go down to a unit in St Helen's Road in Swansea,'' he went on.

''You can't imagine the difference between the two.''

A spokeswoman for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board said: "The new Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre is an important part of the redevelopment of Morriston Hospital and it serves a large population across South and West Wales.

"It is part of the new £9.5 million Combined Specialist Rehabilitation Unit which allows complimentary services to be located under one roof to improve accessibility, dignity and privacy for disabled patients."