A VISUALLY impaired Betfred worker has praised the bookmaker for providing him a 'lifeline' after fearing he could have been 'killed' during hospital treatment.

Mark Rogerson, aged 32, who is based at the company's head office in Birchwood, had surgery at Royal Liverpool Hospital in July 2013 to fix both his retinas.

But following treatment, Mr Rogerson caught an infection, which he said the hospital 'failed to detect' for one week.

As a result he lost all sight in his right eye and suffered scarring in his left eye – consequences he believes could have been avoided if the hospital acted quicker.

"After the operation I caught a bug but even after going back to the hospital twice they sent me home and could not see anything wrong," said the St Helens man.

"When I went back again I was in so much pain and a lot of stress, that is when I had emergency surgery to combat the infections.

He also claimed: "With it being so close to the brain it could have killed me or left me brain damaged.

"They did get on top of it quickly when they realised and I can't knock the care but I think they should have acted sooner and think the damage could have been avoided if they did."

Mr Rogerson, who has worked for Betfred for two years, was previously a cashier with the company but sight loss made it difficult for him to carry out his duties.

But hope was on the horizon when a job became vacant at the Birchwood base for a content assistant role.

With the support of an Action for Blind People employment co-ordinator, he was given an interview before being selected for the position.

Betfred has now been presented with Action for Blind People's 'See the capability, not the Disability' award following a nomination from Mr Rogerson for its crucial support.

"I could not believe it when I got the job," he said.

"Before that I was struggling and worried I would be stuck somewhere but the company recognised my ability and not my disability.

"Betfred looked past what I could not do – I can't thank the company enough for that."

A spokesman for Royal Liverpool Hospital has said Mr Rogerson caught a 'post-operation infection'.

He also stated the hospital 'saved' Mr Rogerson from 'losing his eye' completely.

"Unfortunately we are unable to comment at this stage as there is a potential legal case pending," added the spokesman.

Mr Rogerson confirmed he has raised the matter to a legal firm, who are 'looking at' the situation, but said 'nothing has been done' as of yet.