I AM 82 years of age, widowed and live alone. Prior to agreeing to have a major operation, I was advised that I would be entitled to six weeks care upon discharge.

After the operation on Monday July 15, during the date of discharge on July 20, I was then told that Poole was a bad area financially, and I quote “You will have to set up arrangements with a company to do personal care, for the surgical stockings to be put on, which is a medical need, for six weeks”.

A booklet was handed to me, headed: “The Leaving Hospital Support Service for East Dorset and Poole”.

I had to take out a contract simply to do this task, costing over £40 per week to be paid from my pension.

This would not have applied had I lived in the Bournemouth area.

How unfair is this post code situation?

To be left without promised support after a major operation is incomprehensible and extremely dangerous to heath and safety.

I would add that I have phoned contact numbers to give these facts, only to have my calls transferred to another department.

I was on the telephone for one hour and am now back to square one.

I would like and answer to where the responsibility lies, on the failure to look after the frail and elderly in the Borough of Poole upon discharge from hospital.

There is something very wrong here.

MRS MG BURGESS, Sandbanks Road, Poole