After a tragic car crash left her trapped with her dying colleague, a woman has made a plea for more support for trauma victims of such accidents.
Gemma Love, a caring professional, was in a horrific incident that took the life of her workmate while leaving her with crippling injuries, and now she’s courageously sharing her harrowing story.
During a journey from Lanark to Biggar along with her South Lanarkshire Council co-worker Mary Logan, their vehicle a Peugeot Blipper van was involved in an awful smash on the A73 near Thankerton just moments after aiding an injured animal.
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In a bid to bring change, Gemma is retelling the disaster, highlighting the need for enhanced assistance for those struggling with post-crash angst.
Recalling the nightmare to the Daily Record., she revealed: “It was dark and I was trapped in the van. Mary was lying on my lap.
“My left hip took the full impact of the crash and now I can’t walk without the help of crutches. I can’t stand up for more than ten minutes and I live in chronic pain every single day.”
“I have severe depression, ongoing grief, PTSD and I have also developed an eating disorder. The crash has ruined my life.”
Post-crash, Gemma endured an intense stay in ICU at Wishaw General Hospital, facing a gruelling seven-hour operation to mend a “complex break” in her hip and pelvis.
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The 27-year-old, who has been left unable to walk without crutches or a wheelchair following surgery, bravely turned down open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as she didn’t believe it would address the root of her agony.
Gemma’s pain has only intensified over time, taking a toll on her mental health every single day.
The ex-carer, who was passionate about her work, is now demanding improved aftercare for the emotional wellbeing of individuals like herself who have survived crashes.
She shared: “I’m looking to break free of this pain – or somehow manage it better. I was offered therapy which cost me £2000 four years after the incident, which I feel made me feel worse.”
“I feel the NHS have a duty of care to provide mental health support for victims like myself, but I’ve been let down.”
(Image: Supplied)
“I live every day in that crash and witnessing what I witnessed. I’ve had to learn to try and cope with the trauma.”
In her quest for support, Gemma even contacted a mental health helpline provided by her workplace, only to be told that “the case was too in-depth”.
She argues that crash survivors should receive discharge treatment plans that include regular check-ins throughout their recovery journey.
Gemma said: “I’m not aware of any online support groups, nor have I been offered any crash victim recovery support. I don’t know anyone in my position or similar. I’ve felt very alone through the process.”
She opened up about the aftermath of her horrific crash, revealing the lack of physiotherapy following her surgery.
Gemma explained: “I got physiotherapy in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in 2019 before I was let home in a wheelchair. Since then I have felt forgotten. I’ve had to reach out for help each time.”
Hoping for a breakthrough, she said: “I have an MRI scheduled and I hope to get some answers about my injuries from that. It’s my last hope to free myself from this torment.”
Responding to her situation, a spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde stated: “We provide long-term follow-up orthopaedic support, including outpatient appointments, to all patients who have suffered serious and complex injuries.”
They added: “Ms Love is no longer receiving care from us. We are sorry that she is not satisfied with the care she previously received and we would encourage her to contact us directly to discuss this.”
They continued with sympathy but noted confidentiality: “While we cannot comment on individual patient cases due to confidentiality, our sympathies remain with Ms Love following this ordeal.”
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd also extended heartfelt condolences and assured ongoing support for those affected by traumatic events.
Todd remarked: “My sympathies go out to everyone involved in this tragedy.”
Underlining the commitment to support, she declared: “Anyone who has been involved in a traumatic incident should be entitled to receive the right help and support, at the right place, at the right time.
“We continue to support NHS services to focus on improving quality and access to psychological treatments, in line with the National Specification for Psychological Therapies and Interventions and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”
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