A pensioner with an open wound following an operation says has been told she must walk over a mile every day for treatment because she is deemed mobile enough not to qualify for visits from a district nurse. 

Carol Eagle, of Rowan Avenue in Chingford, was discharged from Whipps Cross Hospital on Tuesday (April 28) after surgery on an abscess. 

She has to undergo further operations but until then, the 67 year-old must have her open wound re-dressed every day.

Mrs Eagle said she was told by doctors at Whipps Cross that a district nurse from Chingford Health Centre in York Road would visit her home to carry out the procedure, as part of North East London Foundation Trust's community health service. 

But yesterday Mrs Eagle received a phone call from Whipps Cross Hospital to say she did not qualify for home visits.

Mrs Eagle says she cannot drive due to the location of the wound and her husband works every day.

She said: "My husband is not a qualified carer but because they know I have a partner I think that's part of the reason they are not willing to help. 

"I cannot depend on my husband to change my bandages and I physically cannot do it myself.

"I was told because I am mobile enough I can go to the doctors. 

"They expect me to go marching up and down every day. 

"I'm worried I will have to try and bandage myself over the bank holiday. 

"The NHS says one thing and does another. 

"I'm upset they cannot help me and sick and tired of being messed about - it is degrading enough as it is.

"It makes you think how many people are suffering like me?"

A round trip to her doctors, The Microfaculty in Chingford Mount Road, is 1.5 miles.    

GP Dr Shahid M Dadabhoy at The Microfaculty, said: "This a very tangible example of patients being ground down in the middle.

"This  is what happens when we have a fragmented NHS.

"This type of thing is happening on a daily occurrence and is a problem which is happening far too often."

A Barts Health NHS Trust spokesperson said: “In this case, we would suggest Mrs Eagle contacts our Patient Advice andLiaison Service (PALS), so that we can provide a personalised and informed response.”

A spokeswoman for NELFT, said: "A district nurse has visited the patient and will continue to do so."