Monthly Archives: June 2012

Norwich disabled man’s holiday from hell

 An amputee says he suffered a ‘holiday from hell’ in Turkey and has complained to a travel firm about his experiences.

David Bale Saturday, June 9, 2012
11:00 AM

 

 

Patrick Martin, 64, from St Barnabas Court, off Orchard Street, in Norwich, uses a wheelchair and crutches after having one leg amputated, and was on holiday last month for the first time since the death of his partner.

He booked the 14-day trip with Norwich’s Thomas Cook in Brigg Street and requested medical seats on the flight, which was operated by Pegasus Airways.

He said he was assured that his disability would not be a problem and he would be well looked after, but he says he started having problems on the plane.

Mr Martin said he had to sit in cramped seats away from the front rows, where there is more leg room, received no help putting his crutches and rucksack into the overhead compartment and had to stand on his crutches while waiting to use the toilet instead of being seated.

When the plane arrived in Turkey he again had to get the crutches and rucksack from the overhead compartment. While he was wheeled to the airport carousel to collect his luggage, he said he was left to drag himself and his luggage to the coach.

The holiday rep on arrival in Turkey did not even know a disabled person was on the flight, he said.

His problems continued at the hotel where he was not given an adapted room, despite being assured one.

Ministers to pledge free holiday to family carers as part of new plans to reform care system

White paper detailing changes to care system to be published later this month

  • Care services minister says current arrangements aren’t working
  • An estimated 1.25million people spend more than 50 hours a week caring for family member

PUBLISHED: 01:51, 9 June 2012 | UPDATED: 01:53, 9 June 2012

 

Carers looking after vulnerable relatives will be entitled to respite holidays paid for by the Government.

The ‘sandwich generation’, which juggles looking after  elderly parents with supporting children, will be given greater help under the plans.

Ministers will require councils to arrange support for carers including short holidays away from the person they care for, assistance with transport and training in care techniques.

Change: Carers looking after vulnerable relatives will be entitled to respite holidays paid for by the Government

 

A White Paper detailing the reforms to the care system will be published later this month.

Free breaks offered to Wiltshire’s carers ‎

GPs or nurses will be able to prescribe breaks worth up to £50

12:28pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News

A breaks scheme is being launched at GP surgeries across Wiltshire during Carers Week this year to give unpaid carers who are suffering ill health as a result of their role, or who have a long term health condition, the chance to have a free break.

GPs and practice nurses will be able to ‘prescribe’ a social, leisure or health break to those that they identify as a carer in order to give them an opportunity to take some time out from looking after a relative or friend who, due to illness, disability, age, eating disorder or substance misuse, is unable to manage without their help.