MUM FEARS SHE’LL LOSE HER HOME
AMUM working for the NHS fears she could end up homeless after failing to find someone to look after her one-year-old while she treats cancer patients.
Stacey Abrahams is a physiotherapy assistant based at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Denbighshire, but, when the ongoing coronavirus crisis saw her child-care provider close its doors, she found herself left with no choice but to stay at home to look after her daughter Layla.
However, the 32-year-old mum-of two from Rhyl has since been told by bosses she has to take unpaid leave as a result, a move which could eventually see her lose her house.
“I work 30 hours a week, so when Daisy Chains nursery in Prestatyn shut last week I didn’t know what to do,” said Stacey, who also has a nineyear-old called Aaron who’s currently being home schooled.
“The staff there contacted me to say one of the children they also look after had gone into hospital suffering with Covid-19. So, at the moment, Layla is currently undergoing the 14-day isolation period to make sure she’s OK, and, obviously, I’ve had to stay home with her.
“It wasn’t a decision I took lightly either, as I am fully aware of the situation surrounding the virus outbreak and the need for as many NHS staff as possible to remain in work.”
Stacey added that, with the nearest alternative nursery a 28-mile round trip away in Colwyn Bay and family and friends unable to look after Layla due to the current government guidelines regarding social distancing, she’s at a loss about what to do next.
In addition, recent developments such as the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – wherein employees can be furloughed if their place of work is shut down or there’s no work for them because of the health crisis – aren’t applicable to her as she is in the public sector.
“It’s not like I can take my daughter into work with me, so I’ve had to take unpaid leave and am now worried about what I’m going to do for money. I’m likely to end up facing substantial financial debts, and even homelessness,” said Stacey.
“I’m already living month to month and have had to take money off my credit card to stay afloat.
“And I know I’m not alone in this situation either – there’s probably hundreds, if not thousands who are also wondering what to do. I’ve a friend who’s an NHS admin worker and in the same boat as me. She’s really struggling.
“I am a dedicated, long-standing
NHS employee but I stand to lose everything because of this.”
A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “While we cannot comment on individual cases we are encouraging any staff who are facing childcare difficulties to contact their line manager and local human resource teams to find out what assistance is available.
“Local authorities across the region have been very supportive in providing childcare for the children of key workers, and the health board has also received offers of assistance from nurseries.”