Deborah Wright, a single mother from Carronshore, Stirlingshire, has been waiting four months for social workers to arrange a placement for her two young sons so she can receive life-saving hospital treatment for a potentially fatal infection.
The 49-year-old was diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, an infection in her stomach that requires urgent hospital care. However, she has repeatedly been forced to leave hospital because she has no family support or childcare available for her sons Conley, 12, and Eldon, eight, who both have additional support needs.
Desperate Plea for Help
Despite repeated pleas for assistance, Falkirk Council’s social services have yet to provide a suitable emergency placement. Deborah, who lost her partner three years ago, said: “I am absolutely terrified. I’m scared I am going to die. I’m terrified my children are going to be left without a mother.”
She added that after speaking out in the Sunday Mail last month, things began to move, but she is still waiting for a plan. “The last I heard, social workers needed a plan. I’ve had blood works done but that’s it. I need my children to be looked after but I desperately need treatment. I’ve tried everyone I can.”
Political Response
Tory MSP for Central Scotland, Meghan Gallacher, said: “Ministers must stop the warm words and properly fund Scotland’s councils so they can deliver the lifeline services families rely on.”
Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership stated: “We remain in contact with the family in this case and are working to agree arrangements when a date for inpatient care is set.”
