Dundee mum thanks Tay News after winning battle for surgery
Nybee Snaddon will be admitted to Ninewells today for an operation on her bowels
Last updated 19th May 2021
A mum of five from Dundee who feared she'd miss out on potentially life-saving surgery is to be operated on after pressure from Tay News.
Nybee Snaddon has an issue with her bowels.
It has led to her losing nearly six stone in weight and requires her to go to the toilet around two dozen times a day.
Last week NHS Tayside told her it couldn't admit her for treatment within the 12 week waiting time guarantee.
We raised her concerns with the health board alongside her local MSP Joe Fitzpatrick, who submitted a letter on behalf of Nybee.
Today she'll head to Ninewells. The mum, who's originally from Hampshire says it's been a long journey.
"Even though I was leaving messages with the health board I really got to the point I thought unless a miracle, divine intervention kicked in - that would be it, unless I was on my death bed," she said.
"My voice wasn't enough but everyone else's was. You have done more in three weeks than anyone has done in three months."
Thousands of people in Scotland are waiting for a treatment as NHS services look to recover from the pandemic.
Some will be more critical than others. In Nybee's case if her bowel shuts down, she would die.
She was also supported by North East Scotland MSP Maggie Chapman.
"Honestly, completely and truly, if it wasn't for yourself. If it wasn't for Maggie Chapman and Joe Fitzpatrick, I think I could have still been sat here in 12 months time pleading for my life," she added.
The surgery could see Nybee spend between five days and three weeks in hospital, depending on whether or not there are added complications with the operation.
"I have no appetite, I'm in constant pain."
"I started off on no pain killers to a minimum of 12 doses every day, six of which could be morphine," said Nybee.
"I feel like I'm constantly shaking. I struggle to walk, there are days where I can barely lift my head.
"I have to plan everything I do around facilities, because there is no choice. As much as it's embarrassing, I'm not ashamed.
"I can't go anywhere unless there's a toilet, it's just not possible."
What does NHS Tayside say?
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to comment on matters relating to individual patients.
“We are in direct contact with the patient.
“The impact of the pandemic on elective care services has been significant. However, as the number of patients requiring care for COVID-19 has reduced, our clinicians have been working hard to remobilise routine and elective services in a safe and incremental manner.
“This includes remobilising theatre capacity for elective care at Stracathro Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary.
“As with all health boards, our waiting times have been impacted by the pandemic, however the public should be assured that our teams are working very hard to restart our services whilst also ensuring we keep our patient and staff safe.”