A GREAT-grandma from Burnley who was told to travel to Blackburn to have just three stitches removed from her elbow has branded the decision as ‘ridiculous’.

Patricia Murray, of Browsholme Avenue, underwent a small operation at Burnley General Hospital earlier this month to remove damaged nerve endings in her elbow.

After an overnight stay in hospital she was given an outpatients appointment and told to return to have three stitches removed.

But when the former care assistant returned to Burnley General she was told the procedure could only be completed at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

The 64-year-old said: “When I went to get my stitches out the nurse told me I would have to go all the way to Blackburn to have it done.

“I am fuming I think this decision is ridiculous. The powers that be should reopen Burnley General Hospital properly because its what the patients need.

“The way I see it, I attended the appointment at Burnley because it didn’t say anywhere that I was to go to Blackburn.

“But even so the way I see it is, they put in the stitches so they should take them out.”

Mrs Murray even tried to opt to have the stitches removed at her doctor’s surgery but was told she was told she must attend the appointment at Blackburn.

She added: “It just seems so silly. There is a perfectly good hospital in Burnley close to my home yet to get any treatment I have to take an hour’s bus ride to Blackburn.”

The grandma-of-five begrudgingly attended the Royal Blackburn Hospital yesterday for her stitches removed for fear they may get infected.

Under re-organisation of the hospitals Blackburn has become the emergency centre, with Burnley the site for planned operations.

Rineke Schram, medical director for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We do strive to ensure outpatient appointments are arranged as close as possible to a patient’s home, and to make sure their appointment cards and letters are as comprehensive as possible.

“We have no record of having received any comment from this patient.

“But I urge her to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 5872586 so we can discuss her concerns with her personally.”