15/10/13 bedbound mum and her daughter15/10/13 Denson Close Waterbeach Patricia Meads and daughter Beth Picture by Richard PattersonA teenage girl has pleaded with the NHS not to let her mum die after carers stopped visiting her home.
Beth Harris-Meads, 19, has been forced to look after bedridden Patricia Meads, 57, for the last week and says she cannot cope with the sudden responsibilty and stress.
Patricia was diagnosed with a collection of lung conditions called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) five years ago, and in November her condition deteriorated.
She was first visited by Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) nurses but after a disagreement over treatment and oxygen levels in June, they stopped coming. Different carers followed but earlier this month also withdrew amid claims Patricia, of Denson Close, Waterbeach, was smoking.
The family say it was an e-cigarette approved by her doctor.
Beth told the News: “Mum has a permanent catheter and is linked to oxygen tanks, an air compressor and nebulizers for other medication.
“I am only 19 and I need help. Mum is scared she is going to die and I am struggling to cope with it. I cannot reassure her because I don’t know what I am doing.”
A multi-agency meeting to address Patricia’s care has been arranged for today, but the patient says she has not been informed.
Patricia said: “It amazes me that they have not even told me about this meeting. Surely, they need to speak to me about my needs.
“It is devastating for Beth – it is not fair to her. I need professional help to sleep, have a shower and get access to the equipment I require.”
Mandy Renton, chief nurse at CCS which will attend the meeting, said: “Discharging a patient from our care is not a decision taken lightly. However, patient safety is our priority and following meetings between Mrs Meads, our team, her consultant and GP, in the presence of a mediator, we have been unable to find a resolution which ensures the safe use of oxygen to maintain her clinical safety.”