Category Archives: Norfolk

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.

Is system designed to fit care to users’ lives working in West Norfolk?

Margaret Howard, 60, who is a big supporter of the new “personal budget” social care funding system

Published on Friday 8 June 2012 07:00

 

Traditionally, people living in the community who were eligible for assistance from social services in their daily lives were assessed and then placed into the services on offer.

An elderly woman living alone might be told she could have a carer to come in and help her get washed in the morning as well as someone to deliver a hot meal to her in the evening.

Carers told “you are not alone” as help is launched in north Norfolk and Broadland

A new service that will help the unsung army of carers to get the support that they need is being set up at 20 GP surgeries across north Norfolk and Broadland.

 

By STEVE DOWNES Wednesday, May 30, 2012
3:56 PM

North Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is piloting the project to provide support work at surgeries – and it could spread to the rest of Norfolk if the nine-month trial is successful.

Under the scheme, which is being delivered by Norwich and District Carers Forum (NDCF), two part-time support workers will be available on a monthly basis at each surgery to give support to anyone in an unpaid caring role.