Amputee trapped in her home
Ramp delay frustration
A Stirling amputee expressed frustration this week after being told it could take up to a year to be assessed for a wheelchair ramp at her Raploch home.
Mary Duffy had to have her left leg cut off below the knee following complications from diabetes more than two months ago.
The 57-year-old left hospital four weeks ago and had understood that the council would have a ramp installed at her Woodside Road home.
She said: “I phoned the council and told them that I needed a grip in the toilet and they got me that within a couple of days.
“But when I raised the wheelchair ramp with them this week I was told it would take up to a year just to be assessed for that. I’m quite angry to be honest.
“I don’t think I should have to wait such a long time for a wheelchair ramp. A year is too long.”
Mrs Duffy lives in a ground floor flat, which has four steps down to ground level, with her son John (35) who is her carer.
She said she could not use crutches all the time and required a wheelchair as an alternative.
Ms Duffy explained that she also suffers from a form of osteoporosis in her right ankle – Charcot arthropathy – which adds to her difficulties.
She said “Most amputees can hop. But I cannot as I have an air boot on my right foot for the Charcot. It’s like having a heavy weight on your foot.
“I’m going to get an artificial leg in four weeks’ time.
“However, the stump can get sore and there will be days that I cannot use the leg.
“I feel trapped in my house. I cannot go anywhere. That’s why I feel the wheelchair ramp is so important.”
Mrs Duffy’s remarks came after Stirling Council was told that occupational therapy assessments – which have to be carried out before homes can be adapted – could take up to 12 months to complete.
A Stirling Council spokesperson said this week: “The service works closely with users to ensure that packages of support are put in place as quickly as possible.
“It’s recognised that there can sometimes be delays due to the number of service requests.
“However, each case is carefully reviewed and we prioritise to ensure that we meet the needs of those in highest need as quickly as possible.”
I feel a wheelchair ramp is so important