AN 82-YEAR-OLD war veteran who suffered a broken neck in an horrific car accident was initially told by doctors he had whiplash and given two painkillers.

John Jarvis, of Redacre in Poynton, was injured along with his daughter Alyson when his Rover was involved in a collision with a 4x4 when they were holidaying in Yorkshire in July.

After being taken on a spinal board to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary by ambulance, medics discharged John and told him to do neck exercises to help with the healing process.

But, just four days later, his GP told him to seek a second opinion, and his family took him to a private hospital, the Alexandra in Cheadle, where he was told he had broken his neck.

John, who was widowed last year, was rushed to the neurological unit at Hope Hospital where he had a steel halo screwed into his skull, which was removed yesterday (Tuesday) after 12 weeks.

He said: "I cannot understand how highly-trained professionals can miss such a serious injury.

"It was a relief to be told it was not serious. But it was impossible to get comfortable and I was in agony the whole time. I was horrified when I was told I had a broken neck."

Alyson, 51, said: "Dad was literally screaming in agony. We have asked the Royal Lancaster Infirmary if they would refund us the £995 we had to pay when my father was seen at the Alexandra.

"We have not asked for compensation, but have had ten weeks of correspondence and they have said they can only look into it after November 1."

She added: "My father served for king and country and has been treated like this. He has managed the best he can, but he is very traumatised and has been through an awful lot."

John, who has served all over the world with the Argyll and Southern Highlanders, and was injured by shrapnel when bombed in Egypt, said: "I was treated better there all those years ago than I was by our NHS today."

John, who was married to May for 58 years and has lived in Poynton since 1960, has had to have round-the-clock care from Alyson and his other daughter Shirley Ross, 54.

Shirley said: "When he was sent home, me and my sister were doing the exercises with him.

"The doctor at Hope Hospital said that one movement either way could have paralysed him and I dread to think that me, my sister or husband could have done that."

Tony Halfall, chief executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, which covers the Royal Lancaster, said they were unable to comment as they deemed the complaint a legal matter.

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