The Daily Mail reports that an 80 year old man who is terminally ill has been denied continuing care funding because he is ‘…not ill enough to qualify’. Brian Stroud suffers from the incurable disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which has left him unable to move, doubly incontinent and with swallowing difficulties. North East Essex PCT turned down his application for continuing care twice, after assessing his needs as ‘moderate’. Mr Stroud is currently cared for at home by his 77 year old wife who has paid £16,000 for additional care over the last 6 months. Mr and Mrs Stroud’s daughter, Debbie Hill, told the Mail that she believes the PCT’s decision not to fund care was purely financial, adding: ‘We want justice for mum and dad, and for everyone else in this situation…when they need the NHS, it’s not there for them.’ Her campaign for funding is supported by the PSP Association, which commented: ‘We need a system that’s not left to local officials, who often have every incentive to reject (continuing care) applications.’
NHS North East Essex has now said it will reassess Mr Stroud’s care needs.
posted by Cheselden Continuing Care at
08:24
