Health chiefs in Orkney are investigating after an 80-year-old patient was discharged from hospital and put on a ferry in freezing conditions in his pyjamas and slippers.
Grandfather Peter Ranger, who had undergone foot surgery at the new Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall just three days before, had to be helped aboard the boat by a taxi driver who had taken him to the harbour.
He then endured a two-hour crossing to his home on the remote island of Sanday.
His wife Tracy, 54, has now lodged an official complaint with NHS Orkney over the treatment of her husband of 23 years.
Former radiologist Mr Ranger, from Bridge End, said last night: “It all happened so quickly in hospital. I got out of bed in my pyjamas and I left hospital in them. I shouldn’t have been allowed to leave like that.
“The next thing I was in a cab. The taxi drove on to the ferry, which was leaving at 4pm, and the crew put me in a chair lift. A friend who was on the ferry helped me a lot getting me a coffee and helping me go to the toilet. The ferry had to go via Eday so it took two hours.
“I was struggling a bit but the guys on the ferry were marvellous. They really were top drawer.”
He added: “The walking frame I had was left in the hospital. I’m afraid the hospital don’t know their left hand from their right.
“On the boat I was wondering what was going on, but all I was concentrating on was getting home, which I was thrilled to do after what I had been through. It is something that need not have happened. The hospital needs to get their act together because I would not like anybody else to go through such an experience. I’m glad it is all over.”
The father-of-four was admitted to hosital last Thursday for routine minor foot surgery.
The operation was carried out the next day and he was due to see a visiting consultant on Tuesday, but was discharged on Monday afternoon.
His learning co-ordinator wife Tracy only discovered what was happening when she noticed she had a missed call from the hospital.
She said: “The next thing I knew was a friend who was on the ferry said did I know Peter was on it?
“He was in his pyjamas and slippers with a coat over the top. The clothes he went to hospital with were in a bag – that’s how quick they wanted to get rid of him.”
She added: “I am shocked at what has happened. He did not have a walking frame, but the taxi driver and ferry crew were brilliant and helped him aboard and up to the lounge.
“It is truly shocking that this happened, let alone in January with such cold temperatures.
“I am more shocked that the hospital thought this was acceptable. You would think they would have a discharge protocol in place?
“It was awful for Peter. It really was a terrible ordeal for somebody to go through – let alone somebody of his age.”
Mrs Ranger made an official complaint to the health board.
A spokeswoman for NHS Orkney said: “A formal complaint has been submitted which the health board is looking into and will respond directly to the patient and his family in due course.”