'Eternally grateful' family praise local NHS learning disability service

Oldham learning disability physiotherapy service has helped a 64-year old resident regain his independence after years of severe pain and mobility issues.

In 2019, Roger Bird, who lives in Oldham and has a learning disability, was referred by his GP for a  hip replacement following severe pain that was affecting his ability to move around unaided.

However, due to concerns around Roger’s ability to give consent for the surgery, his referral was cancelled.

Roger’s condition worsened as he continued to struggle in pain on a daily basis.

His family raised concerns to his GP, who then made a referral to Oldham adult learning disability physiotherapy team, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

He met with Catherine Sands, physiotherapy team lead, who assessed his mobility issues, and observed how his level of independence had reduced over time.

Catherine explained: “It was very clear that Roger could no longer do as much as he once could on his own.

"It’s a real knock to someone’s confidence and happiness when that freedom is taken away from them.”

She spoke to his family, who were trying to support Roger in his efforts to have another hip replacement agreed with the orthopaedic team, but sadly no real progress had been made.

Catherine agreed to attend Roger’s appointments to offer additional support.

By the time it came around, he had developed a skin condition in his lower limbs, caused by a lack of mobility and circulation problems.

His skin had begun to breakdown, and so the surgery was refused again as the risk of infection was too high.

Roger was then moved into residential care as he required a higher level of support from carers.

Knowing that Roger’s only hope of living independently and comfortably again was to have a hip replacement, Catherine requested a second opinion from the orthopaedic team.

Thankfully, after discussions with his family and professionals, the surgery was approved. 

The physiotherapy team continued to work with Roger to help strengthen his legs and improve his lower limb circulation.

They also worked closely alongside the orthopaedic and dermatology team to best prepare him for surgery.

Their work was successful, and Roger had a hip replacement in August 2023.

The team then provided his post-surgical rehabilitation to support his recovery.

Months later, Roger is now able to mobilise with crutches, access the stairs, and is no longer in pain.

He has gained most of his independence and confidence back.

Ms Sands said: “We’re thrilled that our work with Roger has been a success, and he is now able to move around and ultimately live a much happier and comfortable life.”

Roger’s brother, David Bird, has given high praise to the service, adding: “They’ve been so caring and have been there through the entirety of the covid pandemic, cancelled surgeries, difficult hospital appointments and more.

"I was amazed by their ability to break through barriers and communicate easily with surgeons, consultants and hospital staff.

"Their determination to make the necessary arrangements have, without doubt, improved his quality of life.

"My family and I are eternally grateful.”

How to access support

Oldham adult learning disability physiotherapy team support people who have a mild, moderate or severe learning disability and are registered with a GP in Oldham.

They help people in a variety of community locations, including their own homes and supported living accommodation with posture management, specialist equipment provision, hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, as well as running their own health and wellbeing exercise group.

They can also support mobility rehab whether this is post-surgical, following a hospital admission or after a decline in general mobility.

Contact the team on 0161 770 3770 or find more information here

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