Mum may end up homeless over care
A MUM 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 mumof two from Rhyl has been told by bosses she has to take unpaid leave, 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 nine-year-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 and the need for as many NHS staff as possible to remain in work.
“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 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.”