THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY, 2026

Photographs attached:

Photo 1: Brian Taylor during his stay in Ninewells Hospital

Photo 2: Brian Taylor with NHS Tayside’s TORT staff

Back behind the wheel – NHS Tayside patient shares his inspirational journey

A bus driver who returned to work less than a year after a leg amputation has thanked the NHS Tayside teams who helped him get back to the job he loves.

Brian Taylor, who lives in Perth, had his left lower leg amputated in November 2024 after being diagnosed with an infection in his foot related to diabetes.

Following his surgery, the inspirational 53-year-old worked with the Tayside Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Technology (TORT) service at Ninewells Hospital and was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Showing incredible determination, Brian is now thrilled to be back behind the wheel in his job as a bus driver.

Brian said, “It was a real shock to be told that my lower leg would have to be amputated and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to drive again. I knew I had to surrender my licence so I did that before my surgery but I also asked about the possibility of driving again with a prosthetic leg. I started physio really early as I knew I wanted to get moving as soon as I could.

“I was treated in wards 17 and 18 in Ninewells and also still get care from the staff at TORT. The whole team at Ninewells have been fantastic, from the nursing staff, the cleaning staff, the catering staff, the surgeons – everyone has been brilliant.”

Brian, who has been a bus driver for 28 years, learned how to walk again with his prosthetic leg whilst also learning to live with his diagnosis of diabetes. Following several months of rehabilitation, Brian was approved as medically fit to drive again and return to work last summer.

Brian added, “It was an amazing feeling to get back to work. I love my job and it was my first priority to get back to it as soon as I could. The company I work for have been fantastic, they have helped me so much and made all the arrangements I need. I am so glad to be back behind the wheel.

“My whole life has changed – I have had to adapt and do things a bit differently. I can’t do as much gardening and I’m slower on the stairs but I just keep going and do what I can.

“I want to say a massive thank you to all the NHS Tayside staff who have supported me. I wanted to share my story so that people in the same position know not to give up. It is hard but you can get back to doing what you love. Every day is a challenge but I am enjoying my life more now than I did before – it has made me realise how precious life is.”

Emma Mainds, prosthetist/orthotist at TORT, said, “We are delighted to see the progress Brian has made in his recovery journey. He has shown real dedication to his rehabilitation and the whole team is pleased to see that he has achieved his goal of returning to work.

“In TORT, our aim is to enhance the quality of life and independence of people with disabilities. As a team of prosthetists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and technicians we aim to support patients get back to their daily life and to reach their goals as much as possible. That can include returning to work, enjoying their social life and getting back to favourite activities. For patients who have experienced lower limb amputations, their life might look slightly different now but we can work together to support them to make adaptations and to help them reach their goals.”

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138