Health bosses make ‘no apology’ for refusing Hucknall mum’s plea

A Hucknall mum is campaigning to let disabled youngsters pick designs for their leg splints after the option was cut by health bosses to save cash.
Logan Scothern and his mum Caroline, with his preferred patterned splints and the plain yellow ones that he now has to wear.Logan Scothern and his mum Caroline, with his preferred patterned splints and the plain yellow ones that he now has to wear.
Logan Scothern and his mum Caroline, with his preferred patterned splints and the plain yellow ones that he now has to wear.

Caroline Scothern, whose son Logan (7) has cerebral palsy and must wear splints to walk, says picking patterns helps him cope and turns the splints into a ‘cool’ talking point with his pals.

But Nottingham Healthcare Trust say they make ‘no apology’ for withdrawing the £7,500-a-year-scheme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Caroline said: “The first time he had his legs put in splints it was traumatic - but the highlight was at the end when he could choose a pattern for the splints. It gives children a positive reason to wear them.

“My main concern is that the plain splints look too clinical and the children may not want to wear them which would have a devastating effect on their progress. Life is tough enough for the children and their families, please don’t make it any harder! Logan knows all about his condition and knows that without them he wouldn’t be able to keep up with his friends.”

Caroline has started an online campaign calling for the decision to be reversed at change.org and Hucknall MP Mark Spencer has appeared on BBC East Midlands Today to urge Nottingham Healthcare Trust to reconsider its decision.

A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust said: “A decision was taken to stop using patterned splints because it makes no clinical difference to the outcome for the patient and they are free to personalise their plasters themselves. The money saved may not seem like a huge amount - £7,500 each year – but that tax payer’s money can go towards treatment for another child who needs it. Whilst the transfers are a pleasant diversion for the children we make no apology for this decision as it is important that we focus on the needs of the child involved and not cosmetic issues.”

Related topics: