A GRANDFATHER-OF-FIVE has been left without a hip for more than nine months — after his original replacement became infected.

Harold Fairclough underwent an operation at the Royal Bolton Hospital to replace his right hip joint in July last year.

But two weeks after his surgery, doctors were forced to remove his new hip after the retired market trader developed a blood infection.

The pensioner, now back at home, has been left barely able to walk, is in constant pain and has not been able to shower since February because he cannot use the stairs.

His 72-year-old wife Mavis, who suffers from vascular dementia, has had to be taken into a care home as he cannot look after her at their home in Kearsley.

Mr Fairclough had also hoped to be able to fly to St Lucia this June to watch his granddaughter get married – but due to his condition this is no longer an option.

He said: “I am in agony all the time. I cannot walk, cannot brew up, cannot put my socks and slippers on myself. I am coming to the end of my tether.

“My quality of life has been destroyed. I have spent my whole life outdoors and used to love going fishing three times a week, but I have not been outside properly since last July.”

Mr Fairclough had been due to have his hip replaced in October 2013 and then last March, but both times his health meant the surgery was cancelled.

The pensioner, who suffered from hip problems and walked with crutches for three years before the operation, finally went under the knife on July 25 last year.

Around a fortnight after the infected joint was fully removed — and after care in Winifred Kettle and Labernum Lodge — he returned home this February.

He was due to go into hospital yesterday for surgery — but this has now been cancelled until next week.

Daughter Diane Cullen, aged 50, said: “We do not blame the nurses or the doctors or the carers – everyone has done a fantastic job.

“But somewhere along the line the system has failed my dad, and it is just not right.”

Mrs Fairclough moved into Blackrod House last year after breaking her arm while staying with family.

The couple, who married in 1962 and ran a market stall in Longsight together, have had to sell the beloved caravan they used to take to Pilling and Knott End most weeks.

Mr Fairclough said: “Her life has been spent with me – whatever we have done we have done together.

“Having her not at home is like a bereavement. It hurts.”

Mrs Cullen added: “The care at Blackrod House is amazing but my mum has got so much worse since she went into the home because they cannot push her the way we would.”

Post operation infection following total hip replacement is a serious but recognised complication of replacement surgery. Treating the infection takes considerable time. The patient has to be in the best health possible to undergo redo surgery.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "We appreciate the concern that patients and their families have if a planned operation is postponed, but unfortunately there are times when emergency cases cannot be delayed due to patient safety.

"Where this is the case planned surgery will unfortunately have to be rescheduled."