Support worker has taken in a vulnerable former client who she feels has been let down by local health authorities

Alison Hatu, 60, has mental health problems and recently told the Tele how she has had no hot water or heating for five years.

Her friend Kirsty Cairns became increasingly concerned about her when the coronavirus lockdown tightened.

She had asked for health and care chiefs to place Alison in temporary supported accommodation then decided to step in and take her in.

She said: "I managed to get her a multi cooker to enable her to at least cook.

"However as this lockdown looks likely to carry on and Alison has no means of washing I decided to take her to my home so she can shower and eat properly."

Alison also has a string of other health problems including high blood pressure and asthma and is classed high risk due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kirsty now says she wants to use the opportunity to get the improvement work carried out in Alison's house when she's not there.

A string of repairs need to be carried out to the property, including replacing the toilet, wash hand basin, bath and shower and upgrading her kitchen.

Kirsty is making a public appeal through the Tele for a donation of a new bathroom suite and kitchen and for local tradesmen to volunteer to do the work for free.

Kirsty said: "I know it is a big ask.

"I am hoping to reach a company willing to donate an ex-display kitchen or bathroom.

"This is a heartbreaking situation and there is only so much I can do on my own.

"I also need a skip for the items needing binned and a container to store things so as I can decorate and fix all the things needing attention.

"It is a golden opportunity for her home to be brought back into a liveable condition while she's with me.

"She is eager to get it done and it causes no disruption to her."

Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership said they could not discuss Alison's case details without her permission.

Their spokesman added: "There are a number of general points we can make.

"We do not leave vulnerable people without support although we cannot always say what kind of support we are providing.

“We are aware of all the issues involved in this case and we are working hard to address them with the person directly concerned.

"We are holding regular meetings with them to keep them informed about the action we are taking and the time it is likely to take.

"Our aim is to achieve a solution which meets the needs of the person involved.”

*If anyone can help with Kirsty's appeal they should email kirsteencleisham@yahoo.co.uk