These efforts to create a wet room for Alanna have been ongoing for five years
A frustrated mother has spoken of her anger as work to create a wet room for her disabled daughter enters its fifth year.
Lisa Brown’s daughter, Alanna, 14, was born at 24 weeks and has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Lisa claims the delay has meant Alanna has not been able to have a proper bath at home.
Newark and Sherwood Homes was asked to build an extension with a wet room and specially adapted bath and hoist in 2014.
The extension was completed in accordance with Nottinghamshire County Council Occupational Therapy Services.
However, Lisa said Alanna couldn't use the equipment and asked for changes to be made.
But claims instead of doing the work, she was offered alternative accommodation. However, Lisa didn’t want more upheaval for Alanna.
They then had to wait for the council to agree a start date for the work, which was vital as Lisa needed to book Alanna into respite care while the work was being done.
Lisa was finally given a start date in August and was told it would take five weeks — but nine weeks later, it is still not completed and Lisa is not happy with the work done so far.
“It’s not just about meeting a need — it’s about having the room looking nice,” Lisa said, “Just because Alanna is disabled doesn’t mean she should have to put up with this.”
Lisa said that Alanna, who is non-verbal, was upset at being away from home, and was signing “home please” as she’s desperate to come home, but she can’t until the work is completed up to the right standard.
“This is really affecting my health,” Lisa said, “I have fibromyalgia and the doctor has had to give me tablets to help me sleep.”
A spokesman for Newark and Sherwood Homes said: “The existing shower extension was completed in 2014 and was designed and built in accordance with Nottinghamshire County Council Occupational Therapy (OT) service and the tenant.
“A fresh assessment was undertook by the OT in 2017 to consider what further adaptations could be made as the tenant’s daughter had outgrown the previous solution.
“As part of this a number of options were investigated, including offers of rehousing to alternative, suitable accommodation, however, these were declined by the tenant. Therefore we are completing further extensive adaptations to the property.
“While we acknowledge that the works have taken longer than originally planned, the delays we have experienced have not always been within the control of Newark and Sherwood Homes or its contractors.
“With the co-operation of the tenant we aim to complete the works by Friday.”