Merlene and Dirk join Chronicle's demand for care for Elizabeth Dean (Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats)

Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats <info@hflibdems.org.uk>

Merlene and Dirk join Chronicle's demand for care for Elizabeth Dean

April 28, 2010 7:05 PM

Elizabeth Dean with Merlene Emerson and Dirk Hazell, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidates for Hammersmith and for Chelsea and Fulham

Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidates Merlene Emerson and Dirk Hazell were yesterday invited by Ms Elizabeth Dean to her home in West Kensington.

Ms Dean is suffering from an aggressive brain tumour but, with only the most limited and painful mobility in the last stages of her life, is still without care for 5 hours a night. As reported by the Chronicle, she has had to battle with H&F Council's system to fund her care needs, and remains vulnerable because of the shortfalls that leave her alone at night when she is at risk of seizures. Ms Dean is anxious that others benefit from her suffering through improved co-ordination of care.

Dirk observed: "Elizabeth's courage, determination and humour in the face of such suffering are inspirational. She is the most powerful advocate possible for care focused on people rather than on bureaucratic targets and I really hope she gets this care soon."

Merlene added: "Elizabeth's nightly traumas and fears of seizures whilst being entirely alone can be avoided. The issue is not funding but the NHS and the Council failing to co-ordinate services, despite the fact that last year the Council's Chief Executive was appointed Head of Hammersmith's Primary Care Trust, supposedly to provide "an integrated Executive Management Team".

Lack of patient centred care is denying Elizabeth security and dignity in the closing stages of her life. We must help people to stay in their homes and I really hope the Council can now go the extra mile for Elizabeth and close the gap in her care."