A 59-year-old man from Ryde has accused the Isle of Wight Council of ‘walking away’ from his legal right to disability services — but the local authority insists it is trying to help. Former homeless services worker David Moynehan has said he was neglected by the council’s Community Occupational Therapy Service after losing much of his sight. He described the situation as ‘wrong’ on so many levels’. Around 7 years ago, David lost focus in his right eye and about four and a half years later, overnight, he lost all vision in his left eye, as well as the ability to drive. “There were quite a lot of things, all of a sudden, I couldn’t do,” David said. His doctor told him he should get an assessment from adult social care and a social worker referred him to the council’s occupational therapy (OT) service, which is outsourced. After the referral came back, David said he was told the OT service “doesn’t do sensory disabilities.” Without an OT referral, he was unable to access other council services such as a kitchen adaptation to keep him safe there. Isle of Wight charity Sight for Wight helped him put together an OT report and submit it to the OT service who in turn sent it to the council’s disabled facilities grant department. The charity was not however able to fully support him due to a lack of resources and specific OT services he needed. And earlier this year, David said he reiterated his request for an OT assessment to another social worker and put in a complaint to the council, only to be told they did not have an occupational therapist specialising in visual impairment. He said:
“You have to help people – this is a major life change for me – they have to pay for someone to come and do it or hire OTs that can actually do it.”
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said:
“We acknowledge and recognise the significant impact that the loss of any sense, such as sight, can have on an individual such as Mr Moynehan. “The council has already confirmed to Mr Moynehan that we will provide an Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment supported by Wight Sense to provide specialist expertise in supporting those with visual impairment. “The council commission Wight Sense to provide The Sensory Service – this service offers specialist expertise in assessment, advice, and information to those with a sensory impairment.”
Mr Moynehan says he has not been offered a date for an assessment and he doesn’t think Wight Sense has the services that would meet his needs.
And if that’s how they treat people who worked for them….
I’m sure it’s nothing personal. They treat everybody equally as badly.
A very heavy sun tan would have likely given him every aid and benefit this poor man clearly needs.
Disgusting way to treat a British working man.
The councils answer to everything is NO.
Then you have to start a prolonged fight for your entitlement.
Meanwhile they can waste millions on their ‘pet’ schemes and inefficiencies.
Sorry you need to be an immigrant for free health services
I don’t see why healthcare professionals are so keen to rush to provide services to illegal immigrants, yet won’t do the same for taxpaying brits – where is the logic in that. Instead of being virtue signalling do gooders, they should be focused solely on the people who actually live and work here, not those that pitch up on a dinghy to freeload and sponge.
it surprises me that the council can find time and money to assist asylum seekers, they can find money and solutions to every sob story going that needs benefit money, yet here is a guy who is in genuine need and suddenly there are hurdles, issues and mountains to climb.
council need to sort their priorities out – instead of funding deabeat alco’s/junkie’s and spongers that turn up on the island – help a genuine islander in need out.
Its not just the council, it’s the government as a whole. My husband who’s been awaiting over 2 years for his PIP tribunial in the courts because of his multiple sclerosis and still waiting to battle the Dwp. Yet the courts can instantly make “space” to assess all the rioters recently. It’s an ongoing joke!!!!
Not enough OT’s for people who desperately need help.
Yet they have a complete committee to negotiate investments regarding their
£93 million pension pot !
It would appear that it is just not this person who has limited vision.
Agree, council says No to most things,yet then costs it more money, staff time to challenge and eventually they have to provide. Council stupid and selfish through and through, and Councilors let it go because they are given crap by officers. Never understood why we need councilors,yet officers make decisions and do/don’t do the work, anyone tried getting hold of planning or HR in council?.
Poor bloke, keep us updated on this story.
U have to remember 90% of the council are blind and stupid,they need there own help first,,look at the state off the island has become