Groom forced to have his toes partially amputated after being given wedding shoes that were too tight
A groom was forced to have his toes partially amputated after being given a pair of orthotic shoes for his wedding that were too tight.
Martin Ralph, 61, complained about the shoes being too small and uncomfortable but was reassured by NHS staff that they just needed 'breaking in'.
He wore them to tie the knot with his wife Melissa, 61, on July 27, 2019, but had to change out of them after a few hours because they left his feet in agony.
A few weeks later, the father of four went to hospital with an abscess on his right big toe where dead tissue was removed and his toe was washed out.
This exposed the first joint and a decision was made to amputate the toe at the knuckle.
Over the next four years Mr Ralph from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, developed further issues with his foot and ended up losing three more toes.
Mr Ralph, who formerly owned a cleaning business, has now been left unable to work and can no longer walk unaided.
He claims his feet were incorrectly measured three times and his concerns ignored.
After taking legal action against Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, they admitted a breach in their duty of care and apologised.
They accepted that if Mr Ralph had been given correctly-fitting footwear, he would not have developed the blister or ulceration and suffered the amputation of his right big toe.
Mr Ralph said: 'I had measurements taken at Amersham Hospital but they were measured too small.
'I told them at the time of the fitting that they were too small. Three times I went back but I was told by the lady who did the measurements I just had to wear them in.
'Halfway through the wedding day one foot was getting particularly sore. I had to change into my boots.
'Orthotic boots is what I normally wear but I wanted to wear a shoe for my wedding. I was delighted to get them in time as I had been waiting months for them.
'When I tried the shoes again, even going out the door, I was struggling. Whenever I came home it was a relief to take them off, it was that tight.
'When I took my sock off my toe was three times the size it should have been.
'I reported my concerns, but it wasn't until a few weeks later that I noticed a blister on my foot which gradually got worse.'
Mr Ralph requires specialist shoes because of his pre-existing diabetes, he needs wider-fitted footwear because tight shoes can cause corns and affect blood and nerve supply to the feet.
He added: 'Having to undergo amputation of my toe was horrific, but I was hopeful that was the end of it.
'Sadly not. To see the state of my foot now is terribly upsetting, especially when it could have been prevented so easily.
'There are so many things I struggle with now. Even just moving around is difficult.
'I used to be fit and active, I have worked since I was 17, now I struggle to do anything.
'I know nothing will bring my toes back or fix my foot, but I hope that by speaking out I can help ensure it doesn't happen to anyone else.'
A Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust spokesperson said: 'We are very sorry for the shortcomings of care Mr Ralph experienced between April and August 2019 and we accept that his care fell below the standard expected.
'The Trust is determined to use the learning from this incident to ensure that no other patient experiences a similar outcome.
'For example, we are strengthening our protocols for assessing and monitoring patients at risk of foot complication.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
12 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Younger women could have cervical screening every five years instead of three
The changes mean that, from next month, women aged 25 to 49 in England who are negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) will receive screening invites every five years. The move has been recommended by the UK National Screening Committee and is based on analysis from King's College London showing five-yearly screening is just as safe as three-yearly, with the same number of cancers found. The aim of the programme is to reduce the number of women who develop invasive cervical cancer and reduce the number who die from it Health minister Ashley Dalton HPV is a sexually-transmitted group of viruses which cause no symptoms. Around 13 high-risk types of HPV are known to cause 99.7% of all cervical cancers. As at present, any woman who has HPV or has a recent history of HPV will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings to check the virus has cleared and, if not, to check for cell changes in the cervix. In a written statement to Parliament, health minister Ashley Dalton said the new change 'increases the opportunities to test and recall women and people with a cervix who have HPV, while extending the cervical screening intervals from three to five years in England for individuals who have a negative HPV test. 'This will bring England's cervical screening intervals in line with those of Wales and Scotland.' She said the NHS screening programme in England provides all women between the ages of 25 and 64 'with the opportunity to be screened routinely to detect HPV infection or cervical abnormalities at an early, more treatable stage'. She added: 'The aim of the programme is to reduce the number of women who develop invasive cervical cancer and reduce the number who die from it.' Taking a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help ensure everyone eligible can make the most of these life-saving services, while sparing women appointments that they don't need Dr Sue Mann, NHS clinical director for women's health Ms Dalton said testing negative for HPV means the chances of developing cancer within five years are very small, as it can take around 10 years or more from the time HPV is detected to developing cervical cancer. She added: 'Those who test positive for HPV are already being followed up with yearly testing. 'This is important to ensure that individuals are monitored for any early signs of cervical abnormalities and provided the necessary treatment.' Experts have been concerned about falling numbers of women under 50 attending cervical screening, with around a third in England not taking up their invitations. Dr Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women's health, said: 'Taking a more personalised approach to cervical screening will help ensure everyone eligible can make the most of these life-saving services, while sparing women appointments that they don't need. 'The NHS is following robust evidence on how often women need to be safely screened, and by putting invitations and reminders straight in women's pockets on their phones, we're making it easier than ever to take up screening appointments. We want every eligible person to feel empowered to attend a vaccination and cervical screening appointment when they are invited so we can achieve the brilliant ambition of eliminating cervical cancer Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal 'Make sure you come forward for your screening when you're invited, even if it was weeks, months or years ago. If you think you are due but have not yet had an invitation, speak to your GP practice.' Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: 'We welcome this change to cervical screening in England, which is the result of years of vital research to make screening more effective and has shown it is safe to extend the time between tests. 'Screening, alongside the roll out of the HPV vaccine – which Cancer Research UK scientists helped develop – have seen cervical cancer rates drop by around a quarter since the early 1990s, and we look forward to even more progress. 'If you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal, said: 'We want every eligible person to feel empowered to attend a vaccination and cervical screening appointment when they are invited so we can achieve the brilliant ambition of eliminating cervical cancer.'
Scottish Sun
16 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a nanny & the NHS advice is right – I would NEVER feed a kid an Aldi pouch & here's the exact reason why…
The NHS Start for Life website has updated its advice for parents using baby pouches FOOD FOR THOUGHT I'm a nanny & the NHS advice is right – I would NEVER feed a kid an Aldi pouch & here's the exact reason why… A PROFESSIONAL nanny has revealed the Aldi kids' food she would never give her clients' children. Emily, who works with families all over the world, claimed that she would personally avoid 'pouches and meal trays' that you can pick up in supermarkets. Advertisement 4 A nanny has claimed that kids' food pouches should be avoided on a daily basis Credit: tiktok/@thenosugarcoatnanny 4 She claimed the packs don't provide nutrition you should rely on for your kids Credit: tiktok/@thenosugarcoatnanny Over recent years, numerous companies have found success in convincing parents that feeding a baby with a quick and convenient processed pouch is easier and also nutritious. However, there have been growing concerns over whether they are nutritionally sufficient and if they hinder a varied diet. On her @thenosugarcoatnanny account, Emily, who is trained as a prestigious Norland nanny, held up two items from Aldi's Organia Mamia range, which are designed for children. Speaking of their 'super cheap' 65p apples, parsnips and carrots pouch (intended for ages four months and above) and their 95p chicken and vegetable cous cous (designed for 12 months and older), she said: 'These are products that I do not recommend to parents." Advertisement PANORAMA INVESTIGATION Emily cited an investigation by BBC Panorama, which found that six leading UK brands did not meet their key nutritional needs for baby food pouches. The NHS website has published advice on commercial baby food, and said parents should not rely on shop-bought pouches as everyday meals. Some popular baby food pouches are labelled as being "perfectly balanced for growing babies" or "packed with goodness". Emily added: 'Lots of you know about the Panorama documentary that came out about pouches and food. Advertisement 'I think if you haven't watched it as a parent, definitely go and watch it.' The study followed the World Health Organisation stating that it is "critical" that infants and toddlers get good nutrition in the first three years of life. Disgusted mom shares warning after finding mold inside her baby's food pouch and it was still in date Babies need food that is "pure, varied, minimally seasoned and nutrient-dense." Despite this, by the age of two to five, the average UK toddler has been found to get 61 per cent of their energy from ultra-processed foods, according to a 2022 study. Advertisement IRON LEVELS Emily's next gripe was with the iron levels in baby meals, and claimed that 'a baby needs 7.8 mg a day.' In the Panorama documentary, Ella's Kitchen spag bol had just 0.7mg of iron, while Aldi's Bangers and Mash contained 0.5mg of iron and a Lidl meal had about 0.4mg. 4 The NHS Start For Life website states that parents should wait until their baby is around six months old before feeding them solid foods Credit: Getty Emily claimed: 'Aldi's products were tested, and their iron levels in them were around 0.5 mg. Advertisement 'So, if you give your child, let's say, this for breakfast, this for lunch, and a similar one for dinner, your child's, getting 1.5 milligrams of iron a day? 'That's so incredibly low. 'And obviously, children need iron to grow their blood cells. 'It's obviously to help with their oxygen and the flow around their body. Advertisement 'So, that's something to really, really consider when thinking of these.' 4 The World Health Organisation stating that it is "critical" that infants and toddlers get good nutrition in the first three years of life Credit: Getty Emily shared how she wasn't advising parents to avoid them completely, and said they are 'absolutely fine' for days out if you've not made anything or forgotten a snack. She explained: 'But what I don't want parents to be doing is stocking their cupboards full of these sorts of things, and then that's your go-to.' Advertisement A spokesperson for Aldi said: 'Our range of products can help parents and carers to support a child's weaning journey by introducing a wide variety of food and flavours as part of a varied diet. "Any sugar in them is naturally occurring and would be the same in a fruit puree made at home.' Can I use shop-bought jars and pouches to feed my baby and toddlers? ACCORDING to the NHS website: "If you are using food pouches, jars, trays and pots, they should only by used occasionally. They should not be used as an everyday food." Wait until your baby is around 6 months old before feeding them solid foods – even if labels say it's suitable from 4 months Check food labels and choose the food with the least amount of sugar Always squeeze the contents from pouches onto a spoon to feed your baby Do not rely on food pouches, jars, pots and trays as everyday food Do not let your baby suck food from the pouch – this can increase their risk of tooth decay Do not feed your baby snacks until they are 12 months old Source: NHS: Start for Life NHS GUIDANCE The NHS Start For Life website states that parents should wait until their baby is around six months old before feeding them solid foods, even if labels on pouches say the products are suitable from four months. Experts say the products should only be used sparingly, and not as replacements for homemade meals. Advertisement They also advised they can cause children health problems if used as their main source of nutrition. The six brands involved in the investigation were Ella's Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, who all said their products were intended to be used as a complementary part of a child's varied weaning diet.
The Sun
16 minutes ago
- The Sun
I'm a nanny & the NHS advice is right – I would NEVER feed a kid an Aldi pouch & here's the exact reason why…
A PROFESSIONAL nanny has revealed the Aldi kids' food she would never give her clients' children. Emily, who works with families all over the world, claimed that she would personally avoid 'pouches and meal trays' that you can pick up in supermarkets. 4 4 Over recent years, numerous companies have found success in convincing parents that feeding a baby with a quick and convenient processed pouch is easier and also nutritious. However, there have been growing concerns over whether they are nutritionally sufficient and if they hinder a varied diet. On her @thenosugarcoatnanny account, Emily, who is trained as a prestigious Norland nanny, held up two items from Aldi's Organia Mamia range, which are designed for children. Speaking of their 'super cheap' 65p apples, parsnips and carrots pouch (intended for ages four months and above) and their 95p chicken and vegetable cous cous (designed for 12 months and older), she said: 'These are products that I do not recommend to parents." PANORAMA INVESTIGATION Emily cited an investigation by BBC Panorama, which found that six leading UK brands did not meet their key nutritional needs for baby food pouches. The NHS website has published advice on commercial baby food, and said parents should not rely on shop-bought pouches as everyday meals. Some popular baby food pouches are labelled as being "perfectly balanced for growing babies" or "packed with goodness". Emily added: 'Lots of you know about the Panorama documentary that came out about pouches and food. 'I think if you haven't watched it as a parent, definitely go and watch it.' The study followed the World Health Organisation stating that it is "critical" that infants and toddlers get good nutrition in the first three years of life. Disgusted mom shares warning after finding mold inside her baby's food pouch and it was still in date Babies need food that is "pure, varied, minimally seasoned and nutrient-dense." Despite this, by the age of two to five, the average UK toddler has been found to get 61 per cent of their energy from ultra-processed foods, according to a 2022 study. IRON LEVELS Emily's next gripe was with the iron levels in baby meals, and claimed that 'a baby needs 7.8 mg a day.' In the Panorama documentary, Ella's Kitchen spag bol had just 0.7mg of iron, while Aldi's Bangers and Mash contained 0.5mg of iron and a Lidl meal had about 0.4mg. Emily claimed: 'Aldi's products were tested, and their iron levels in them were around 0.5 mg. 'So, if you give your child, let's say, this for breakfast, this for lunch, and a similar one for dinner, your child's, getting 1.5 milligrams of iron a day? 'That's so incredibly low. 'And obviously, children need iron to grow their blood cells. 'It's obviously to help with their oxygen and the flow around their body. 'So, that's something to really, really consider when thinking of these.' 4 Emily shared how she wasn't advising parents to avoid them completely, and said they are 'absolutely fine' for days out if you've not made anything or forgotten a snack. She explained: 'But what I don't want parents to be doing is stocking their cupboards full of these sorts of things, and then that's your go-to.' A spokesperson for Aldi said: 'Our range of products can help parents and carers to support a child's weaning journey by introducing a wide variety of food and flavours as part of a varied diet. "Any sugar in them is naturally occurring and would be the same in a fruit puree made at home.' NHS GUIDANCE The NHS Start For Life website states that parents should wait until their baby is around six months old before feeding them solid foods, even if labels on pouches say the products are suitable from four months. Experts say the products should only be used sparingly, and not as replacements for homemade meals. They also advised they can cause children health problems if used as their main source of nutrition. The six brands involved in the investigation were Ella's Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, who all said their products were intended to be used as a complementary part of a child's varied weaning diet.
