Funding win for South Shields dementia patient

2010-01-26 23:38:17

The wife of a dementia patient whose continuing care funding was revoked has won her battle with South Tyneside PCT to have it reinstated. Hector Atkinson, who suffers from dementia, was assessed as eligible for continuing care after breaking his hip in 2007. But when his condition was reassessed in January 2009, the PCT ruled that his condition had improved and funding was stopped. His wife Beryl then had to pay his care home fees from Hector’s private pension, despite needing the money to support herself. However, she has successfully challenged the PCT’s decision and continuing care will now be reinstated. Beryl comments: ‘I would urge other people not to just sit back and accept decisions, but fight it.’ Anyone who feels that they or a relative should receive NHS continuing care funding – now or in the past – due to an overriding health need should contact Cheselden immediately so that we can review your case.