Fife MS sufferer ‘was abandoned for days’

An investigation has been launched after a wheelchair-bound MS sufferer claims she was left abandoned for two days without vital care.

Karen Henderson suffers from a degenerative form of multiple sclerosis which leaves her without the use of her legs.

She requires care visits throughout the day, claims she had to sleep in her wheelchair for two nights – and survived by eating fruit and a packet of oatcakes.

Karen from Glenrothes alleges her ordeal started when care workers left at 11.45am on Saturday, April 29, following a routine visit.

Despite calls to the offices of Care Plus Ltd, the company contracted to provide care, Karen said she received no further visit until the next carer arrived at 7.40am on the following Monday, May 1, 44 hours later.

The 49-year-old mother-of-three, who lives alone, said: “I’ve had a series of problems with the level of care provided but this was by far the worst.

“Despite repeated calls to the company no one came, it was a nightmare.”

When she complained to Care Plus Ltd, Karen said the firm counter-claimed she cancelled care for the weekend. But she said she had telephone records that proved no such call was made.

Three weeks after the incident Karen was rushed to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, suffering from sepsis, which she says doctors told her was a direct result of the weekend ordeal.

Care Plus managing director Laura Rearie said: “CarePlus (Scotland) Ltd is aware of a complaint from a previous service user which has been raised with the Care Inspectorate.

“CarePlus is cooperating fully in this process and as such is unable to make any comment.”