The Rugby Football League say they have asked Sheffield Eagles to explain the circumstances behind the injury suffered to Will Hope.
Hope suffered a horrific ankle and leg injury during Swinton’s defeat at the Eagles, but revealed he had been forced to go to hospital via the Swinton team coach as the injury wasn’t deemed a priority for an ambulance.
He instead arrived at hospital around five hours after the incident took place, and was left on a stretcher throughout the match.
//www.totalrl.com/outrage-as-swinton-player-with-foot-facing-wrong-way-carried-to-hospital-due-to-no-ambulance/
The 25-year-old has expressed his anger at the treatment, although was quick to thank Sheffield for their assistance.
However, the RFL confirmed in a statement they were awaiting answers from the Eagles.
The statement read: “The RFL was contacted by Swinton on Monday regarding the circumstances surrounding Will Hope’s injury, and has noted the player’s comments on social media – firstly, we send him our sympathy for suffering such an injury in the first match of the season, and wish him all the best in his recovery.
“We have contacted Sheffield Eagles for an explanation of the circumstances as they have been reported. While the delay before the arrival of an ambulance is beyond the control of the club, we have strict medical standards for all fixtures relating to personnel and facilities, with at least one doctor required to be present, and to be supported by the medical staff of each team.”
Speaking to the BBC, Sheffield chairman Chris Noble added: “Firstly, everyone at the club wishes Will all the best with his recovery. Swinton are a great club and we know he is being well looked after.
“As per Will’s statement, all the medical staff at Sheffield Eagles provided the utmost care for Will, and support to the staff from Swinton, whilst we waited for an ambulance.
“We are in discussions with St John Ambulance and Yorkshire Ambulance Service to find out why no ambulance arrived on site despite numerous calls to find out timescales.”
Jackie Cole, Divisional Commander (South Yorkshire) at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, also speaking to the BBC, said: “We are very sorry for the distress caused by our delayed response to this incident.
“The call was received during an extremely busy period on Sunday and we were doing our best to respond as quickly as possible to all patients who needed our assistance.
“We would be happy to look into the specific details of this incident for the patient via our Patient Relations Team.”
