A disabled woman from Watford who has been “fighting for years” to get an electric wheelchair has once again been turned down unless she agrees to move home.
Suzy, who lives near Kingsway North Orbital Road says it is “heartbreaking and frustrating” that she has been refused help by the NHS.
Matt Turmaine MP and Councillor Richard Wenham have waded in to try and help Suzy, with the latter saying it is “infuriating” that she has been put in this situation.
Suzy suffers from fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which means that her bones can dislocate from the slightest bit of exertion, and she is also in chronic pain.
Now in a vulnerable position, Suzy currently does not have a wheelchair after the axle on her old chair completely broke on Saturday, February 28.
AJM Wheelchair Services (AJM), who are an NHS provider, says she does not qualify for an electric wheelchair because her apartment is too small. She has also been denied an NHS voucher, which would have enabled her to purchase a new chair.
The decision has left Suzy struggling to visit medical appointments, local shops and she is unable to take her pet dog Parker outside for daily exercise.
It means Suzy, who does not want to move as she has support from neighbours, is stuck on the same small route. She is now campaigning for a new chair.
Suzy told WATFORDnews: “I’ve been fighting this for the past four years or longer. There’s a whole world out there that I’m unable to access because of a decision by a stranger in an office who I’ve never met.
“I was originally given a manual wheelchair and every time I would move it I would dislocate a joint. I have to live my life wrapped in bubble wrap.”
Councillor Wenham, who has been trying to help Suzy over the last six months, said: “It’s been infuriating the amount of road blocks and set backs we’ve encountered.
“Suzy has been through so much during this time, I wish there was more I could do but ultimately without help from those higher up in the NHS or government I’m all out of ideas.”
Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford has been in contact with Suzy since last year. He said he had asked AJM to make an exception but unfortunately, they had once again refused.
AJM have been contacted for comment.
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