AN angry mum says her son was sent home from hospital in a double-leg cast without a wheelchair — because they do not live in Bolton.

Ten-year-old Maddison Warwick was unable to walk or play football after being diagnosed with Perthes’ disease — a condition where the top of the thigh bone softens and breaks down.

He had an operation at Royal Bolton Hospital on Tuesday, July 9 and was sent home two days later.

Both of his legs are covered in plaster and there is a bar between them, meaning the Radcliffe Primary School pupil cannot walk.

But his mother, Jill Warwick, claims she was told Maddison could not have a wheelchair as he did not live in Bolton.

Miss Warwick, aged 31, of Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, said: “I asked if I lived in the Bolton borough, would I get a wheelchair, and they said yes.

“That’s the only reason that they wouldn’t give me a wheelchair.

“We are being discriminated against because we don’t live in Bolton. I feel really upset and let down.

“The hospital knew he would be having the operation there and a care plan should have been put in place.

“I had no choice but to go to Bolton because there is no children’s unit at Fairfield.”

Maddison will have to spend six weeks in the double-leg cast and Miss Warwick says it is very difficult to take him out.

Miss Warwick, who has two other children, said: “I have to lift him to move him and he’s sleeping on the sofa. It’s a real struggle.

“He’s fed up because he can’t get out. He’s frustrated and upset.”

Sue Ainsworth, the hospital’s professional lead for children’s services, said: “It is standard practice that we are only able to provide wheelchairs to Bolton residents.

“Arrangements have been made for one to be provided for Maddison through the paediatric community nursing team in Bury.”

But Miss Warwick said the nursing team has not done so and she has resorted to paying more than £100 to hire one.